National

TNI Commander to Be Replaced in 2006
Tuesday, 13 September, 2005 | 19:28 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will replace General Endriartono Sutarto as Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander after the handing over and destruction of weapons belonging to members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is completed on December 31.

This was stated in an official letter written by President Yudhoyono dated September 5, in response to a letter from House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Agung Laksono two weeks ago.

“We feel that we still need the energy and thoughts of the current TNI chief, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, in settling the conflict in Aceh fairly and in a dignified manner,” said the President in this letter, which was presented by State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra to reporters at the Vice President Palace in Jakarta on Monday (12/09).

According to Mahendra, there have been some questions as to whether or not the replacement of the TNI commander would be carried out on TNI’s October 5 anniversary.

“This letter clarifies that the replacement of the TNI commander will be carried out next year,” he stated.

Although the letter does not state that the replacement of the TNI commander will be carried out in 2006, however the contents of the letter, according to Mahendra, could be interpreted that the replacement of the new TNI commander would be carried out next year.

He added that according to the relevant state decree, candidate for the new TNI commander are all chiefs of staff and active high-rank military officers who are former chiefs of staffs.

The current chiefs of staff were only appointed on February 16 this year.

“So, if any of them were to become TNI commander so soon, it will take time. This must be taken into account by the President,” stated Mahendra. (Dimas Adityo-Tempo News Room)