Primarily, the president believes the military is a mature ..."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is certain that the House of Representatives will approve his selection of General Gatot Nurmantyo as the new Indonesian military commander to replace Moeldoko, whose term ends on August 1.

"The president expects the House to approve the selection in the near future as General Moeldoko is retiring on August 1," noted State Secretary Pratikno at the States Palace complex, here, Wednesday.

Pratikno stated that the president expects an immediate approval of the generals appointment following the submission of the proposal to the House earlier on Tuesday.

"Under the 1945 Constitution, Article 10, the president wields the highest authority over the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Hence, in accordance with the mandate of Article 13 of Act No. 34 of 2004 on the military, the president has the authority to appoint and dismiss the TNI commander with the approval of the Parliament," Pratikno remarked.

The presidents nomination of General Nurmantyo as TNI commander took into account the need for strengthening the military in light of the ever-evolving regional geo-political, geo-economic, and geo-strategic circumstances, he affirmed.

"Primarily, the president believes the military is a mature and insightful organization that has been developing since before the Republic of Indonesia was founded, having played a role in the struggle for Indonesian independence. So, it is different from other organizations. This is an organization that has grown and matured," Pratikno stated.

Therefore, the president is certain that candidates with any military background would be accepted and the individual would support the other branches of the military, especially in the course of managing the presidents development program "Nawacita," which focuses on developing an integrated military force.

"All branches of the armed forces carry out their duties in an integrated manner according to the given agenda. Based on this certainty, the president is convinced that any soldier of any age will be accepted and will be able to support the other military branches in response to the Nawacita program. The president believes it is important to have a national military organization that is mature, firm, and is focused on national interests," Pratikno said.

"I think the president has decided to appoint General Nurmantyo, and in the armed forces, this would be considered an order. The president has also discussed his decision with many parties," added Pratikno.
(T.A050/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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