Max Tamaela surprised at rumored tour of duty

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela said on Friday that he was surprised at press reports that his time as chief of the Pattimura Military Command overseeing Maluku and North Maluku would soon come to an end after less than 10 months.

"I have not been officially informed. Therefore, I can't comment on the reports," he said when reporters sought confirmation about his removal.

Tamaela is one of 44 officers of the Indonesian Military (TNI) who will be involved in the big reshuffle planned in the near future as disclosed by TNI General Affairs Lt. Gen. Suaidy Marasabessy on Thursday.

Other top military posts likely to be affected include the chief of Tanjungpura Military Command and the chief of staff of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad).

Tamaela assumed the newly created post in May with the specific order to stop the violence in Maluku. During his tenure, however, the unrest which began in January 1999 escalated and the number of deaths have now surpassed 2,000.

No less than President Abdurrahman Wahid himself has demanded Tamaela's replacement.

Tamaela said he was ready to be replaced, but he remained committed to his job until then.

"I'm still in charge here. The news will not affect my efforts to bring about peace in the two provinces," he said. (49)