TNI plans major reshuffle soon

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) announced on Friday that it plans a major reshuffle after two senior generals were promoted to strategic posts in the Ministry of Defense.

TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the reshuffle was intended to at least replace himself and Maj. Gen. Dadi Susanto, who have been posted respectively as the secretary- general, and the director general of defense strategy at the ministry.

Dadi had earlier served as intelligence assistant to TNI chief of general affairs Lt. Gen. Wartoyo.

"The reshuffle will be completed this month," Sjafrie said.

TNI deputy spokesman Brig. Gen. Tono Suratman, who was acquitted of human rights abuse charges arising out of the East Timor debacle, has been tipped to replace Sjafrie.

Sjafrie, however, refused to answer when asked whether the reshuffle would also affect former Army chief of staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu, who is currently serving in a non-staff posting.

"All I know is that he (Ryamizard) has yet to reach retirement age. He still has one year left to serve in the military," he said, implying a chance that the four-star general might get the TNI top job. --JP