Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono rides a military vehicle last month during a ceremony in Jakarta to mark 64th anniverasy of Indonesia's military. (Photo: Haryanto, EPA/Handout)
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has unexpectedly replaced the heads of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo will be replaced by Commander of the Army Strategic Command Lt.Gen.George Toisutta; Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno will turn his position over to Defense Ministry Inspector General Vice Admiral Agus Suhartono; and Air Force Chief Air Marshal Subandrio will give way to Deputy Air Vice Marshal Imam Sufaat.
Army Spokesman Brig. Gen. Christian Zebua said on Saturday that he did not know the reason for the substitutions and noted that it is the president's choice when to replace top staff. He said the presidential decree stipulating Agustadi's replacement was issued on Friday.
All three chiefs are to be sworn in next week. Air Force Spokesman Air Commodore Bambang Sulistyo said that presented a challenge.
"We are working hard to prepare the inauguration ceremony because it is sudden notice," Bambang said..
Both Agustadi and Subandrio have served in their positions since December 2007, while Tedjo Edhy has commanded the Navy since July 2008. All are set to retire from their military careers in 2010. That is when a chief of staff is typically replaced.
Christian Zebua said the new three chiefs would likely become candidates to replace Gen. Djoko Santoso as chief of Indonesia's armed forces. Djoko will reach retirement age in 2010.
A source within the military who declined to be named said Agustadi, Tedjo Edhy and Subandrio would likely be given new positions as ambassadors.
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