Military commander denies replacement

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. dismissed speculation that the military's rank and promotion council for high-ranking officers (Wanjakti) had recently resumed talks on a major reshuffle that included his replacement.

"No, Wanjakti has not yet talked about a reshuffle. I have no information on that," Widodo told a hearing with House Commission I for defense affairs here on Monday.

There have been rumors of an impending succession in the TNI, with four candidates -- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, his predecessor Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Indroko Sastrowiryono and Air Force Chief of Staff Marshall Hanafie Asnan -- tipped as candidates.

Effendy Choiri of the National Awakening Party faction and Joko Susilo of the Reform faction raised the issue during the hearing.

In his response, Widodo said the military was committed to regeneration and reform.

At 58, Widodo has exceeded the retirement age of 55, but has had his service extended.

Wanjakti will consult the President in case of a plan to replace a chief of staff or the TNI commander.

A military reshuffle was among the topics discussed at the hearing, which also touched upon issues concerning the military budget and national defense.

Widodo revealed that the military received Rp 8.3 trillion for this year's annual budget, Rp 7.7 trillion of which would be allocated for routine expenditure.

He added that the military would also use Rp 328 billion to fund operations in strife-torn areas as well as border areas. A total of 55 battalions of troops have been deployed to conflict- prone areas, including Aceh, Maluku and Papua.

"Unfortunately, that money came late. To prevent it from happening again, we hope the House can control the budget allocation," Widodo said.

Asked about the alleged involvement of military figures in fuel-smuggling to East Timor, the military chief said that the regional military chief in East Nusa Tenggara had punished the errant officers.

Concerning the murder of Papuan independence leader Theys Hiyo Eluay, Widodo said TNI had pledged to take harsh measures against those involved in the case.

TNI headquarters has sent a team led by military police chief Maj. Gen. Djasri Marin to investigate the murder.