Syamsu impending replacement confirmed

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)