Widodo says no candidates for successor yet
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.