Leave It up to TNI
Translator
Editor
Senin, 10 November 2003 11:11 WIB
Yasril agreed that rumors of senior officers being replaced reflects the President’s views, though the matter should be discussed with the TNI officers first and should not be decided by the President on his own as the TNI commander in chief.
Yasril said that the continuing unstable conditions are not the right time to replace the army chief. “I heard that the president has asked the chiefs of TNI and the National Police to express whether they support him or not. They will be stood down if they do not support [him],” he said.
Yasril said he was concerned about the reaction of TNI officers if the replacements took place. If they react, it will stir up trouble. “They [TNI] always have faith in the constitution,” he said.
Is it necessary to consult with the DPR about a replacement of military or police chiefs? According to Yasril, it is normal for the President, as a partner, to consult with the DPR though it is not obliged by law to do so. Moreover, it would help to patch up relations with the DPR.
The rumor about the army chief being replaced spread when the Army Chief Endriartono made a statement in opposition to the president. Endriartono said he expected that the President would not issue a decree to disband the DPR. If the president issues such a decree, he said, it will make the Indonesian situation worse.
However, presidential spokesperson Adhie M. Massardi denied this rumor last night (18/5). He said that there is no plan to replace Army Chief Endriartono, as his term is not yet up.
According to Adhie, the rumor that Agus Wirahadikusumah will be appointed as army chief to replace Endriartono is just a game being played by President Wahid’s opponents. It is intended to make the army upset, Adhie said.