Gen. Toisutta's appointment not against the law: Minister

The appointment of Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Toisutta as the commissioner of state-owned weapons manufacturer PT Pindad did not violate any laws on the military, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro said on Thursday.

“This should be clear. If someone from the military holds a post in a private company, it is not allowed. But Pak George [is doing it] on behalf of the state.

"He was assigned there not as an individual, but he represents the state 's interest to develop the arms industry [...] he is not there on his own request but [on the principle of] ex officio [which says that] the main commissioner of Pindad is the Army Chief of Staff,” he said.

Purnomo added that if George retired, he would no longer be the commissioner, but his candidacy would be forwarded again as soon as the retirement happened.

George is scheduled to retire within a few weeks.