Widodo calms concerns over generals in Cabinet
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)