Widodo calms concerns over generals in Cabinet
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. calmed concerns on Friday that members of the military serving in the Cabinet had not retired from active service some two months after being sworn in as ministers.
"If the rule states that those in civilian posts have to relinquish their military careers, then indeed they will resign," Widodo said here on Friday.
"We are now processing the documents to complete the administrative requirements," Widodo told journalists after receiving North Maluku figures at his office in East Jakarta.
The law states that military officers appointed to or seeking nonmilitary posts must resign from active service.
Four active generals were appointed in October to the Cabinet of President Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur.
They are Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto, Minister of Mines and Energy Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Minister of Communications Lt. Gen. Agum Gumelar and State Minister of State Administrative Reforms Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi.
Wiranto has said that he and his military colleagues would resign from the service as required by the law, but with two months having passed since their appointment to the Cabinet many are beginning to doubt the sincerity of the claim.
However, senior military officer Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah said on Friday that Widodo had completed all the necessary paperwork to retire from the military and all that was required was the President's signature.
"We're only waiting for Gus Dur to sign the documents. I don't know why it's taking so long for that," Agus said.
He urged his military colleagues not to remain steadfast in their determination to hold civilian and military posts, because it could be perceived negatively by the public.
"Who would reject a double income? But if it is time to resign, then just resign," the chief of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing South Sulawesi said while expressing his belief that the generals in the Cabinet would soon retire from the military. (emf)