Tarub installed as ABRI chief of general affairs

JAKARTA (JP): Lt. Gen. Soeyono relinquished his strategic post as chief of Armed Forces General Affairs yesterday to his slightly older successor, Lt. Gen. Tarub, former chief of the Army's Strategic Reserve Command.

Both graduated from the National Military Academy at the same time in 1965. Soeyono was born on March 13, 1943, while Tarub was born June 10, 1942.

The transfer ceremony took place behind closed doors at the Armed Forces (ABRI) headquarters in Jakarta, presided over by ABRI Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung.

Another event of importance in the military yesterday was the promotion of Prabowo Subianto, General Commandant of the Army's Special Force Command, from brigadier general to a major general. He reported his promotion to Feisal and Army Chief Gen. R. Hartono at a ceremony separate from that of Soeyono's job transfer.

Col. Idris Gassing, deputy chief of special forces, also reported his promotion to brigadier general.

Feisal said yesterday he was proud of Soeyono's performance, and acknowledged that the man had given his best to the military.

"The general (Soeyono) has shown loyalty towards ABRI's leadership and has completed his tasks with full dedication and in line with the policy of ABRI's leadership," he said.

"It would be impossible for him to perform that well without a strong sense of responsibility and a good esprit de corps," he said.

Feisal acknowledged that the post is strategic because, in addition to holding the position of first assistant to the ABRI commander, the individual also functions as secretary to the chairman of the Agency for Coordination of Support for National Stability. The body comprises both military and civilian leaders.

This particular reshuffle at the top layer of military has raised speculation among military observers as well as the press, especially because ABRI has failed to disclose the reason for the move.

Some have speculated that the shakeup took place because of Soeyono's failure to anticipate the violent rioting that rocked Jakarta following the forced takeover of the disputed headquarters of the Indonesian Democratic Party.

Others speculated that Soeyono was replaced for health reasons. He had a major accident when he participated in a motorcycle rally in Manado, North Sulawesi on the same day as the July 27 rioting.

The three-star general had to undergo major medical treatment for his leg and hand injuries. He is still using a stick to walk.

ABRI spokesman Brig. Gen. Amir Syarifudin only said "ABRI must have a physically healthy official to deal with its general affairs."

Soeyono dismissed the speculations. "To me, rank or position is like a shirt that can be put on, taken off or dumped whenever and wherever I want to," he said. "What's important for me is the responsibility entrusted to me."

Asked about his plan, Soeyono answered abruptly, "watching Srimulat."

Srimulat is a Javanese comedy screened weekly by the Indosiar private television station.

Tarub spent most of his military career in the special forces. He was former deputy chief and chief of special forces between 1992 and 1993. He was appointed as chief of the Trikora military command in 1993 until 1994, and chief of the Army Strategic Reserve Force from 1995 until last March.

Prabowo vowed yesterday to maintain the elite force's professionalism.(rms) Related photo on Page 3