House shows support for Endriartono

JAKARTA: The House of Representatives (DPR) on Tuesday officially endorsed the nomination of Gen. Endriartono Sutarto to lead the Indonesian military (TNI), replacing Adm. Widodo A.S.

Only 250 of the 491 House members bothered to show up for the plenary session presided over by House Deputy Speaker Tosari Widjaja of the United Development Party (PPP).

"We hope Gen. Endriartono will do his best and continue the work of his predecessors, especially as regards upholding national unity and security," Tosari said to a chorus of approval from the legislators.

The approval followed a recommendation by House Commission I on defense, security, the state secretariat and foreign affairs.

Endriartono's inauguration is expected to take place soon, but the question of who will succeed him as Army chief of staff remains open.

Two strong candidates for the post are the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu and TNI general affairs chief Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago. -- JP