TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Information based on an official circular suggests that Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has appointed a number of people as his special staffers. This was mentioned in the circular Kep/1869/M/XII/2019.

According to the letter, the Defense Ministry’s special staffers are retired generals; Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Prabowo’s friend in the military academy (Akabri) in Lembah Tidar Magelang; retired Army General Hotmangaradja Panjaitan, the son of national hero D.I. Panjaitan.

And then there is Chairawan, former Kopassus officer and former commander of the defunct “Tim Mawar” or “Rose Team.” This specially-formed team is known for being incriminated in several kidnapping cases of 1998 activists.

Other names mentioned in the circular are Didit Herdiawan and Bonar H. Hutagol. Didit once held the position as TNI Officer (Kasum) who was also the inspector-general at the Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, Bonar is a retired Air Force Officer who was once the Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU).

Tempo reached out to the ministry to confirm the identities mentioned above but has yet received any answer. However, the Defense Ministry’s special staff of public communication Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak confirmed that Prabowo Subianto has appointed his old friend Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as his special advisor.

Syailendra Persada