Max Tamaela surprised at rumored tour of duty

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)