"For us, the appointment of the army chief of staff is normal and has no problem. We are not surprised at all. We would be surprised if Pramono Edhi was not named army chief. When he was promoted as Kostrad commander, we already understood that it would pave the way for his naming as army chief," Tjahjo Kumolo, chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Faction in the House of Representatives (DPR) said here on Wednesday.
Tjahjo who is also secretary general of PDIP made the remarks in response to the appointment of Lt Gen. Pramono Edhi as the army chief of staff, replacing Gen. George Toissuta.
"There were several other names who were also proposed for the army chief of staff post like the General Staff Affairs Chief of the Indonesian Defence Forces (TNI) Lt Gen. Suryo and Deputy Army Commander Lt Gen Budiman. But we were convinced that the Army chief of staff position would be taken up by Pramono Edhi," he said.
Earlier, Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi said President Yudhoyono had named Lt Gen Pramono Edhie who is currently commander of the Army`s Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) as a new Army chief of staff to replace Gen Toisutta.
He said the appointment of Lt Gen Pramono Edhie for the Army chief of staff was based on professional considerations according to his achievement and performance while he dedicated himself to the TNI, the Army in particular.
Pramono Edhie who is the son of the former commander of the Army Para Commandos Regiment (RPKAD) now the special elite force Kopassus late Sarwo Edhie and the younger brother of First Lady Hj. Ani Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was seen by many as capable to occupy the post. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
