More openness, Kiki vows

DENPASAR (JP): Newly installed Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri said here on Saturday that he would develop a more open climate between soldiers and the general public in an effort to forge better cooperation and unity.

"What I would first of all like to do is develop a dialog to enhance, or restore if you will, integration (between the military and civilians," said Kiki, 52, after officially taking over his command.

He further stressed the need for soldiers to adhere to discipline in carrying out their duties to win the hearts and cooperation of the people.

Kiki was installed at a ceremony on Saturday as chief of the Udayana Military Command overseeing Bali, East and West Nusa Tenggara, replacing Maj. Gen. Adam Damiri.

Kiki, a former deputy Army chief of staff, received his new posting after helping in September quell violence in East Timor as chief of the Security Restoration Operation Command in the now former Indonesian province.

Saturday's ceremony was led by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo H.S..

Former Udayana commander Adam Damiri, who held the post for 18 months, is set to be the new assistant to the TNI chief of Operational Affairs. (lem/zen/04)