Wiranto says appointment of deputy not a political move
JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Wiranto said the installment of his new deputy today was aimed at improving TNI's professionalism and had nothing to do with politics.
Wiranto dismissed speculations that the position, last filled in 1983, was renewed in anticipation of the upcoming presidential election, as he was marked by some for either vice president or president.
"It has nothing to do with politics. This is about professionalism," Wiranto said on his decision after visiting athletes being groomed for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games at Senayan athletic stadium on Friday.
Wiranto confirmed he had picked Navy Chief Admiral Widodo A.S., 54, as his deputy, and assigned Vice Admiral Achmad Sutjipto, 54, currently deputy Navy chief, to replace Widodo.
Both will be installed today by President B.J. Habibie, according to the schedule at the State Palace.
"TNI needs a complementary leader from its other element to make it more effective in maintaining national integrity and legal jurisdiction. So we decided to appoint TNI's deputy commander from the navy," he said.
Wiranto cited security reasons and anticipation of tighter competition in trade and industry which he said was why the position of deputy commander was reinstalled.
He said in the future Indonesia would have to develop its maritime resources to increase national income while the military should also safeguard sea passages from any illegal trespassers.
"The sea has a significant role ... regarding the potential of natural resources and in preserving national security. We have sea passages that offer positive things for our economy but they have a lot of access and can be easily infiltrated," he said.
Higher competition in the future would also include dependence on ocean resources, which therefore had to be safeguarded, he said.
Wiranto refused to mention how long he would retain the post.
"Any organization should adjust itself to strategic development. Organizations are very dynamic and I don't know how long I will keep the post," the four-star general said.
The position of deputy commander was last held by Admiral Soedomo in 1983 under the late minister of politics and security, Gen. M. Panggabean. Admiral Sudomo was then also commander of security and order.
The new military commander Gen. Benny Moerdani, who served in the following Cabinet until 1988, did not have a deputy.
Retired army general Rudini was quoted on Friday as saying he hailed the decision.
"Every military command should have a deputy. That way, there will be no leadership vacuum in case the commander is suddenly made permanently unavailable," Rudini told Antara.
Meanwhile legislators differed on the decision, with at least one, YB Wijanjono from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), saying Wiranto should have informed them beforehand.
Uray Faisal Hamid of the United Development Party (PPP) said the task of the military commander was now more difficult, particularly regarding developments in volatile areas like Aceh and East Timor, the news agency reported.
Admiral Widodo A.S. holds several awards for service. He graduated from the Navy Academy in 1968 and served, among other positions, as an assistant for operations in East Indonesia in 1991, according to the navy's information department.(ivy/prb)