President's security get new chief

President's security get new chief

JAKARTA (JP): Brig. Gen. Siradjuddin Paiyoi took charge yesterday of the military unit most responsible for the safety of President Soeharto.

Siradjuddin became the commandant of the Presidential Security Force and takes over from Brig. Gen. Jasril Jacub. He was formerly deputy commandant of the force while Jasril was recently promoted to the President's Military Secretary.

The unit, known by its Indonesian acronym Paspampres, is also responsible for the safety of the first family, the vice president and his family, and all visiting state guests.

The commandant is responsible to Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, who presided at the hand-over ceremony yesterday which coincided with its 29th anniversary.

Feisal also introduced a new motto for the force: Setia Waspada (Loyal and Alert), according to Antara.

A 1965 graduate of the National Military Academy, 52-year old Sirajuddin virtually spent all of his Army career in the Military Police. His leadership experience includes stints as deputy commandant of the Military Police in Bukit Barisan Command and as commandant of the Military Police in Iskandar Muda Command.

Present at the ceremony yesterday were all his predecessors, including Norman Sasono, Darsa Sumamihardja, Moenawar, Sardjono and Pranowo. (emb)