Sjafrie pays courtesy call on Gen. (ret.) Nasution
JAKARTA (JP): The country's most senior soldier, Gen. (ret.) Abdul Haris Nasution, congratulated Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin yesterday, wishing him well in his new position.
"I always pray for young officers so they can reach their dreams," Nasution said.
Sjafrie visited Nasution, 79, at his residence on Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta, at about 2 p.m. to introduce himself as the city's new military commander. The visit was part of his round of introductory calls on senior generals.
Other generals Sjafrie has visited include Chief of Army's Strategic Reserve Command Lt. Gen. Soegiono and the Army's Special Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Prabowo Subianto.
During yesterday's meeting, Nasution gave Sjafrie his book, titled Bisikan Nurani Seorang Jenderal (Heart Whispers of a General).
Sjafrie said he was proud to have met the most senior retired general who is popularly called Pak Nas.
"Pak Nas told me about history, leadership and national unity, while his wife Mrs. Johana Sunarti recalled how a soldier's wife supports her husband," he said.
Sjafrie, who is also the Jakarta military garrison commander, told Nasution about details of Armed Forces' 52th anniversary ceremony to be held at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta on Oct. 5.
"Pak Nas is well and healthy. He said that he would attend the ceremony," he said.
Sjafrie was accompanied yesterday by Military Command Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sudi Silalahi, Jakarta Military Garrison Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Adam Damiri and Military Command Spokesman Lt. Col. DJ. Nachrowi. Nasution was accompanied by his wife and daughter Yanti Sahara Nasution.
Yanti used to be Sjafrie's senior at state-run senior high school SMA IV in Gambir, Central Jakarta.
After the meeting, Sjafrie gave Nasution three boxes of daily needs, including rice and sugar.
Sjafrie was installed as the Jakarta Military commander last Wednesday, replacing Sutiyoso who has been elected Jakarta's new governor. (jun)