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Andika Perkasa inaugurated as new Paspampres commander
Indonesian Military Commander Gen
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ndonesian Military Commander Gen. Moeldoko inaugurated on Wednesday Brig. Gen. Andika Perkasa as the new commander of the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres).
Andika replaced Maj. Gen. Doni Monardo, who has been appointed the new commander of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus).
Moeldoko said that the appointment of Andika was made by President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo.
'Yes, it [Andika's appointment] was Jokowi's request. The request was delivered when I communicated with him [Jokowi],' he said as quoted by Antara news agency.
He said that under the leadership of Andika, the security procedures for president and vice president would remain the same.
'There is no change in our security procedures. We will give VVIP security level [to the president and vice president]. Such a level may not be reduced,' he said.
Andika, a 1987 graduate of the Military Academy, is known for his stellar military career and impressive academic achievements.
He served in the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) before assuming leadership position of the Jakarta Jaya Regiment Military Area (Rindam) in 2011 and North Sumatra's Sibolga military command the following year.
He was the top graduate of the Army Staff and Command School (Seskoad) Class of 2000 and has earned several degrees from top US universities, including a PhD from George Washington University.
Andika's appointment has elicited some criticisms, as he is married to the eldest daughter of former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) chief AM Hendropriyono, a confidant of National Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri and an advisor to Jokowi's transition team. (alz)
