TNI make no comment on Ryamizard's health

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Indonesian Military (TNI) officials refused on Sunday to comment on the health of Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu amid speculation that he is suffering a serious illness.

An officer confirmed that Ryamizard was recuperating, and "he needed to rest."

In Ryamizard's absence, his deputy Lt. Gen. Djoko Santoso has taken over his day-to-day duties.

Quoting an Indonesian diplomat in Japan, Cahyo Mushar,Koran Tempo reported on Thursday that Ryamizard had been in the East Asian country between Jan. 12 and Jan. 27, during which he received treatment at Showa University Hospital.

Last year, Ryamizard underwent medical treatment in the UK and China.

Ryamizard has long complained about a nagging pain in his leg.

Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Ratyono confirmed reports of Ryamizard's recent visit to Japan.

"He underwent a medical check-up at the hospital and something was detected," Ratyono told Koran Tempo.

"But he is OK now."

Ryamizard, a son-in-law of former vice president Try Sutrisno, last appeared in public on Jan. 9, when he installed Djoko as his deputy replacing Lt. Gen. Darsono retired.

Djoko represented the Army chief in the TNI leadership meeting on Jan. 24, which resulted in the TNI's commitment to neutrality in the upcoming elections and its pledge to help maintain order during the event.

Ryamizard, a 1974 graduate of the Military Academy, is known to have spent much of his career in active service, including in East Timor. He ordered the establishment of 10 battalions of raiders, combat troops who have been dispatched to Aceh to quell the secessionist movement in the province.