Syamsu impending replacement confirmed

JAKARTA (JP): Only five months after his appointment as deputy attorney general in charge of intelligence affairs, Maj. Gen. Syamsu Djalal will be replaced on Wednesday.

Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib confirmed the plan on Monday.

Quoted by his office spokesman Soehandoyo, Ghalib said the former Military Police Corps chief -- who gained prominence following his investigation into the abduction of political activists last year -- will be replaced by Lt. Gen. Yusuf Kertanagara, now inspector general at the Ministry of Defense and Security.

"As a soldier, Syamsu Djalal should be ready to be posted anywhere," Soehandoyo was quoted by Antara as saying.

Syamsu is needed at Armed Forces (ABRI) headquarters because of his high integrity, he said.

Responding to questions, Soehandoyo said the sudden replacement was not related to a wide variety of investigations underway in the office, including one into allegations of corruption involving former president Soeharto and his family.

A decree endorsing the replacement was signed by President B.J. Habibie on Feb. 11, a refutal of rumors that Syamsu resigned.

"Syamsu has received a promotion within ABRI," Soehandoyo said, without revealing the position. (aan)