Megawati considers replacing TNI chief

Abu Hanifah, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri is considering replacing Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo Adisutjipto as soon as possible, House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung said on Monday.

However, Akbar said Megawati did not name any candidates to replace Widodo during his meeting with her before leaving for South Korea on Nov. 12.

"When I met her she told me that she is considering several candidates (to replace Widodo). But she did not mention any names. Neither did I ask further," Akbar told journalists in Jakarta.

He said the President would propose the candidates to the House in the near future for approval.

The possible candidates floated by unnamed military officers included Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, TNI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago, former army chief Gen. Tyasno Sudarto and current Air Force chief of staff Air Marshall Hanafie Asnan.

Djamari and Tyasno are the youngest candidates to replace Widodo. They are expected to retire between two or three years later.

Under the decree No. VII/2000 issued by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the police and TNI commanders are appointed and dismissed by the President after approval from the House.

Widodo was appointed by then president Abdurrahman Wahid in 1999. He was the first TNI commander not from the Army whose top figures used to lead the military during the autocratic rule of former president Soeharto.

Previously, Air Marshall Hanafi Asnan said all military chiefs wanted Widodo retained in his current post in a bid to maintain solidity within the TNI.

The military has been accused of rampant human rights abuses in the rebellious provinces of Aceh and Irian Jaya as well as East Timor. However, the TNI's top generals have never been brought to justice.

Reforms within the TNI have also struggled as it refused to stay away from practical politics while old forces have still maintained a strong grip.