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 The regulation was revoked in 2002.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.