Generals' retirement confirmed

JAKARTA (JP): After much speculation, President Abdurrahman Wahid has finally confirmed that Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto and three other active military officers serving in the Cabinet will retire on March 31.

"They will be retired as of March 31, and I have signed the decrees," Abdurrahman told journalists after chairing a plenary Cabinet meeting at Bina Graha presidential office here on Thursday.

"Why on March 31? Well, because military regulations are like that," the President remarked, without actually revealing when he signed the documents.

Wiranto, Minister of Mines and Energy Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Minister of Communication Lt. Gen. Agum Gumelar and State Minister of Administrative Reforms Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi will retire at the same time.

Military tradition usually accords retirement status to officers on their 55th birthday.

Law No. 2/1988 stipulates the mandatory retirement age of military personnel as 55. However, as the Indonesian Military's (TNI) supreme commander the president can extend an officer's active service duty.

Wiranto will turn 53 on April. 4.

Agum was born on Dec. 1, 1945, while Freddy was born on Oct. 15, 1947.

Susilo is the youngest of the four, born on Sept. 9, 1949.

"I signed the decree of their retirement as required by government regulations ... It is not because of my own intention or initiative," Abdurrahman emphasized.

Under the climate of political reform, it has been stipulated that TNI and police officers serving at a government post must resign from active service.

When pressed on the timing of the resignation, Abdurrahman merely replied that "their retirement is actually even too late".

Wiranto himself was reluctant to comment on his retirement, arguing that further comment might cause unnecessary confusion.

He initially promised to talk to journalists after the Cabinet meeting, but quickly left the presidential office after it finished.

"I do not want to make any repetitions. I have talked once, if I repeat my statement it will trigger differing perceptions," said Wiranto.

Citing a military tradition, the general had previously hinted that his retirement should fall on his birthday.

Wiranto's resignation in particular has been the subject of much talk, as he is at the center of many high profile affairs.

By retiring, the former Armed Forces commander will lose his formal links with the military power base.

Separately, Agum said that as a soldier he should obey whatever the President orders him to do.

"I will abide by his instruction," said the former commander of the Army's Special Force (Kopasus).

Freddy, who still holds the post of Irian Jaya governor, claimed if he was allowed to choose, he would prefer to return to military duty.

Coup

Meanwhile, Abdurrahman again dismissed speculation of a possible military coup during his 16-day overseas trip abroad, which starts on Friday.

He expressed confidence that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri would take care of the country in his absence.

"Whatever necessary policies she will take, in security and other fields, is up to her. Nothing is hidden between me and her," the President remarked.

Abdurrahman has repeatedly claimed that almost all military officers are loyal to him.

"They are cowards, the ones who say they are loyal in front of me but behind my back say something different," he said of the few who may be disloyal.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono also assured the public that the military would not topple the President during his absence.

"TNI does not have the intention or the capability to do such things," Juwono remarked.

The President and his entourage will depart to Saudi Arabia on Friday morning as a part of a tour to 13 countries.

He will continue his trip to Switzerland, Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy, the Vatican and Czech Republic, before visiting India, South Korea and Thailand on his way home.

He is expected to arrive back in Jakarta on Feb. 13.

Separately, foreign minister Alwi Shihab denied reports here on Thursday that the President would be going to Australia in March, saying that a date has yet to be set. (prb/mds)