Widodo calms concerns over generals in Cabinet<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military Commander Adm. Widodo A.S.
\ncalmed concerns on Friday that members of the military serving in
\nthe Cabinet had not retired from active service some two months
\nafter being sworn in as ministers.<\/p>\n
\"If the rule states that those in civilian posts have to
\nrelinquish their military careers, then indeed they will resign,\"
\nWidodo said here on Friday.<\/p>\n
\"We are now processing the documents to complete the
\nadministrative requirements,\" Widodo told journalists after
\nreceiving North Maluku figures at his office in East Jakarta.<\/p>\n
The law states that military officers appointed to or seeking
\nnonmilitary posts must resign from active service.<\/p>\n
Four active generals were appointed in October to the Cabinet
\nof President Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur.<\/p>\n
They are Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and
\nSecurity Gen. Wiranto, Minister of Mines and Energy Lt. Gen.
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Minister of Communications Lt. Gen.
\nAgum Gumelar and State Minister of State Administrative Reforms
\nRear Adm. Freddy Numberi.<\/p>\n
Wiranto has said that he and his military colleagues would
\nresign from the service as required by the law, but with two
\nmonths having passed since their appointment to the Cabinet many
\nare beginning to doubt the sincerity of the claim.<\/p>\n
However, senior military officer Maj. Gen. Agus
\nWirahadikusumah said on Friday that Widodo had completed all the
\nnecessary paperwork to retire from the military and all that was
\nrequired was the President's signature.<\/p>\n
\"We're only waiting for Gus Dur to sign the documents. I don't
\nknow why it's taking so long for that,\" Agus said.<\/p>\n
He urged his military colleagues not to remain steadfast in
\ntheir determination to hold civilian and military posts, because
\nit could be perceived negatively by the public.<\/p>\n
\"Who would reject a double income? But if it is time to
\nresign, then just resign,\" the chief of the Wirabuana Military
\nCommand overseeing South Sulawesi said while expressing his
\nbelief that the generals in the Cabinet would soon retire from
\nthe military. (emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/widodo-calms-concerns-over-generals-in-cabinet-1447893297",
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