Mega criticized for awarding aides highest military rank
Mega criticized for awarding aides highest military rank
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta
President Megawati Soekarnoputri may have tarnished her
relationship with the Indonesian Military (TNI) as she is
preparing to end her term by awarding two of her faithful aides
the rank of four-star general.
Constitutional law expert Sri Soemantri said on Thursday the
President's move was inappropriate now that she was about to
leave office.
"Within the transition period, she should not make any
strategic decisions," Soemantri said.
Megawati signed a decree on Oct. 4 that awarded interim
coordinating minister for political and security affairs Hari
Sabarno and National Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief A.M.
Hendropriyono the rank of full general. The two are retired
lieutenant generals.
It remains unclear whether the decree was signed before or
after the General Elections Commission declared Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono the presidential election winner.
Hari's office and BIN placed advertisements in some newspapers
on Wednesday and Thursday to congratulate them.
Other retired Army officers-cum ministers who received the
honorary promotion included president-elect Susilo, his campaign
team advisor TB Silalahi, Agum Gumelar, Surjadi Soedirdja, Azwar
Anas, Achmad Taher, Yogie Suwardi Memet and the late Susilo
Sudarman.
Soemantri also questioned the awards given without consulting
the TNI.
"The President has the prerogative to grant honorary military
ranks to officers at the request of TNI headquarters," Soemantri
told The Jakarta Post.
He was referring to Government Regulation No. 6/1990 on the
procedure for awarding retired servicemen with honorary ranks.
The regulation was revoked in 2002.
TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto refused to comment on the
matter, saying it was the concern of the State Secretariat.
Both Hendropriyono and Hari said the awards were an
acknowledgement from the President of their performance.
"It's just an honor from my direct superior. I never expected
that Pak Hari and I would receive an honorary rank,"
Hendropriyono said.
"Usually the President presents the awards to her aides who
have done all their job well."
Hari was irate with the media for questioning the awards.
"It's just a common gift from the President that I have never
asked for. Since I became second lieutenant, I have never begged
for a promotion or government post. Those words are not in my
dictionary," he said.
He added the awards would not have administrative
implications.
Separately, Constitutional Court chief Jimly Asshiddiqie
defended the President's policy, saying she remained the
legitimate President until her successor takes office on Oct. 20.
"As far as the decree does not violate the Constitution and
takes into account ethics, it doesn't matter. The transition
period should not prevent an outgoing president from making
decisions," Jimly said.