Military commander denies replacement<\/p>\n
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. dismissed
\nspeculation that the military's rank and promotion council for
\nhigh-ranking officers (Wanjakti) had recently resumed talks on a
\nmajor reshuffle that included his replacement.<\/p>\n
\"No, Wanjakti has not yet talked about a reshuffle. I have no
\ninformation on that,\" Widodo told a hearing with House Commission
\nI for defense affairs here on Monday.<\/p>\n
There have been rumors of an impending succession in the TNI,
\nwith four candidates -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono
\nSutarto, his predecessor Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, Navy Chief of Staff
\nAdm. Indroko Sastrowiryono and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall
\nHanafie Asnan -- tipped as candidates.<\/p>\n
Effendy Choiri of the National Awakening Party faction and
\nJoko Susilo of the Reform faction raised the issue during the
\nhearing.<\/p>\n
In his response, Widodo said the military was committed to
\nregeneration and reform.<\/p>\n
At 58, Widodo has exceeded the retirement age of 55, but has
\nhad his service extended.<\/p>\n
Wanjakti will consult the President in case of a plan to
\nreplace a chief of staff or the TNI commander.<\/p>\n
A military reshuffle was among the topics discussed at the
\nhearing, which also touched upon issues concerning the military
\nbudget and national defense.<\/p>\n
Widodo revealed that the military received Rp 8.3 trillion for
\nthis year's annual budget, Rp 7.7 trillion of which would be
\nallocated for routine expenditure.<\/p>\n
He added that the military would also use Rp 328 billion to
\nfund operations in strife-torn areas as well as border areas. A
\ntotal of 55 battalions of troops have been deployed to conflict-
\nprone areas, including Aceh, Maluku and Papua.<\/p>\n
\"Unfortunately, that money came late. To prevent it from
\nhappening again, we hope the House can control the budget
\nallocation,\" Widodo said.<\/p>\n
Asked about the alleged involvement of military figures in
\nfuel-smuggling to East Timor, the military chief said that the
\nregional military chief in East Nusa Tenggara had punished the
\nerrant officers.<\/p>\n
Concerning the murder of Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo
\nEluay, Widodo said TNI had pledged to take harsh measures against
\nthose involved in the case.<\/p>\n
TNI headquarters has sent a team led by military police chief
\nMaj. Gen. Djasri Marin to investigate the murder.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/military-commander-denies-replacement-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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