Army to have new spokesman

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's military attache at the embassy in Bangkok, Col. I Gde Putu Arya, has been named as Army spokesman replacing Brig. Gen. Robik Mukav.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto revealed yesterday that he had already signed the decree for Arya's appointment, but refused to disclose when the new spokesman would start working.

"He (Arya) will be installed soon," Wiranto said during a break of a People's Consultative Assembly session. Wiranto chairs the Assembly's ad hoc committee deliberating non-state policy guideline decrees.

He said Robik, who has served as Army spokesman since April last year, would have a new post in the Armed Forces Headquarters. But Wiranto declined to elaborate further.

"A tour such as this is very common in the Armed Forces. It's important to make high-ranking military officers mature enough for other positions in the future," Wiranto said.

He expressed confidence that Arya is qualified for the new job due to his various experience at home and abroad.

"An officer's understanding of strategic international and regional environments will always be important," said Wiranto.

However, he refused to comment on further replacements in the Army, saying that it would be arranged by a council in the Armed Forces Headquarters in charge of top-level promotions.

Wiranto would not speculate on rumors that Chief of the Army Strategic Reserve Command Lt. Gen. Soegiono would replace Army Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Tarub.

There is speculation that Soegiono's departure would pave the way for Maj. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, President Soeharto's son-in- law who is now Chief of Army Special Forces, to advance in position. (amd)