Indonesian Military pledges loyalty to the government

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) top brass lashed out at rumors of a coup attempt by the armed forces, saying such a move was contradictory to TNI culture.

TNI Chief of Territorial Affairs, Lt. Gen. Agus Widjojo, said after addressing a seminar on nationalism here that the country's five decade history has never seen a military plan to topple the government.

"TNI has always been and will always be loyal to the president of the Republic of Indonesia," Agus said. "History proves that even planning such a move is impossible for the military."

He denied speculations that TNI was upset by President Abdurrahman Wahid's intention to replace some military top brass.

"The rotation, including the planned replacement of the TNI spokesman, has been part of the TNI proposal of tour of duty," Agus argued.

He also denied rumors that the President was trying to undermine the Army by appointing TNI officers from other forces to positions traditionally held by Army members.

On Monday, Abdurrahman played down foreign countries' warnings of a military coup attempt, saying it was just an expression of concern from friends.

Separately, Army spokesman Brig. Gen. I Dewa Putu Rai also contested the rumors of a military coup, saying they were created and fomented to cause trouble in the country.

He said there was no culture within TNI to justify a coup attempt against the legitimate government.

Putu said the Army, as the oldest force in TNI, was supported by the people during the struggle for independence. He felt it was therefore unlikely that the force would go against a government which was chosen by the people.

"TNI doesn't have the culture of coup, so it is impossible that the Army, as part of TNI, will undertake it," he told reporters. (jun/emf/04)