Widodo quietly meets Megawati

JAKARTA: Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Widodo A.S. met with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday, but broke the unofficial custom of calling a press conference to explain the significance of the meeting.

Widodo held talks with the President for about half an hour at the State Palace. He left through the palace back door to avoid the horde of journalists waiting for him.

The meeting came amid reports of Megawati's plan to appoint a new TNI chief in place of Widodo, who had his period of service extended in 1999, postponing his retirement.

Coordinating Minister of Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said that Megawati would submit a sole candidate for the TNI top post to the House of Representatives early in May. The House will resume its session on May 8, with deliberations to approve the TNI chief candidate topping the list of priorities. -- JP