TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of Information for the Indonesian National Army (TNI) Headquarter, Major General Fuad Basya, denies the rumor about the removal of Army Chief of Staff General Budiman by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). “Mr. Budiman is not removed,” Fuad told reporters when contacted on Monday, July 21, 2014.
Fuad clarifies the meeting that occured between Chief of Armed Forces General Moeldoko and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in the Presidential Palace on Monday, July 21, 2014. The meeting discussed the succession position of Army Chief of Staff due to General Budiman’s retirement in the next two months. “So it isn’t a removal, but more of a preparation for the replacement of General Budiman,” Fuad said in a statement.
Unfortunately, the two star general haven’t mentioned the names of the Army Chief of Staff candidates who will be replacing General Budiman. The Chief of Armed Forces haven’t also decide who will be the successor.
Previously, Army Chief of Staff General Budiman claimed to be removed from his position before his retirement on September 25, 2014. The handover position will be held later on July 25 or two months earlier than it should be.
INDRA WIJAYA
