TNI sides with Susilo in chief dispute

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Leaders of the Indonesian Military (TNI) stressed on Monday that regardless of what the House of Representatives (DPR) said about the leadership change, they would only obey President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's decision on the issue.

"The President has yet to issue a decree on the reshuffle (of top TNI commanders), which will allow us to hold a ceremony to hand over the leadership," TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto announced during a press conference here on Monday.

Also present at the media briefing were Navy chief Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh, Air Force chief Marshall Chappy Hakim, Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu and other top military officers.

Endriartono's statement came just days after Susilo appeared to have lost the battle with the House over the military leadership change.

The President, who had made known his desire to retain Endriartono as TNI chief, sent a letter to the House to withdraw former president Megawati Soekarnoputri's letter on the appointment of Gen. Ryamizard as acting TNI chief following the resignation of Sutarto from the post.

According to the law, the president, as the commander-in-chief of the military, has the authority to appoint the TNI chief, with a stipulation that there should be House approval also.

However, House leaders, all from parties that supported Megawati in the Sept. 20 election, ignored Susilo's letter and planned to summon Ryamizard on Nov. 8 to explain his vision as TNI chief.

State Secretary Yusril Ihza Mahendra hinted last week that Susilo could nominate Ryamizard as the new TNI chief.

"There is no change in the TNI leadership nor in its three forces. I'm still the TNI commander," Endriartono.

Endriartono also urged civilian politicians on Monday to refrain from treating the TNI as a political object.

He also denied tendering a resignation letter to Megawati, saying that he submitted a letter about the "regeneration process" in the TNI.

"She asked me to officially send a letter regarding the regeneration issue and I did. But we both agreed to be more careful in deciding the time of the replacement," he said.

Endriartono said he was surprised when Megawati sent a letter to House leaders on Oct. 8 informing the lawmakers about his departure and appointing Ryamizard as acting TNI chief.

"Indeed, it was her right to replace me. But it is also the right of the new President (Susilo) to defend me," he said.