Widodo says no candidates for successor yet
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Admiral Widodo A.S. has poured cold water on speculations about his succession, saying that various names that have been circulating in the media are nothing but speculations.
The TNI Council for Position and Rank, which technically can propose the candidates to President Megawati Soekarnoputri, had not yet come up with any name, Widodo told the House of Representatives' Commission I on Monday.
Four names have been mentioned as possible candidates to replace Widodo after President Megawati informed the House of Representatives (DPR) last month that she was planning to replace the TNI chief. By law, she needs the approval of the House in replacing and appointing the TNI chief.
The four who have been mentioned are Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Hanafie Asnan, former Army chief of staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto, and Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago, the TNI chief of general affairs.
Although Djamari's rank is the lowest of the four candidates, he appears to have strong support from the Army, making him possibly a more viable candidate than Endriartono and Tyasno.
Sources in the Army said Djamari would likely be promoted to become the new Army chief of staff in the near future and this would pave the way for his ascent to the number one TNI job sometime in 2002, possibly by April.
Hanafie is also a strong contender for the post by virtue of his being from the Air Force.
When Widodo was appointed as TNI chief in 1999, he became the first commander of the TNI who did not come from the Army, which has for decades held the post. There was a new understanding then that the position should be rotated between the three services. If this holds true today, then Hanafie should take the job if and when Widodo is replaced.
However, all speculation about his succession may be premature because Widodo's term of service technically does not expire until 2004. When he reached the mandatory retirement age of 55 in 1999, his active-duty status was extended by then TNI chief Gen. Wiranto for five years.
The TNI appears to be in no hurry, nor is it willing to be rushed on this issue.
On Monday, Gen. Endriartono again asserted that the three services were fully behind Widodo's leadership and that he should be retained as chief for the sake of TNI unity.
"Under the present situation, maintaining continuity within TNI is the main goal of the three chiefs of staff when considering a succession process," Endriartono told the same hearing.
He cited several criteria that should be considered in replacing the TNI chief, including the need to rejuvenate the leadership, maintaining unity and strengthening professionalism.
"Today, TNI needs to remain solid," he said. "That's our chief priority."
He said Widodo succeeded in uniting the three forces through very difficult times for the TNI.
Widodo dismissed speculations about irregularities regarding the extension of his active service in 1999.
He stressed that the decision was taken then in consideration of the situation at the time.
Widodo however conceded that the decision on his future remained with President Megawati.
"The TNI Headquarters respects the principle that the succession of the TNI leadership is the prerogative of the President," he said.