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Jokowi taps Andika as sole candidate for TNI commander
Gen. Andika Perkasa's nomination as sole candidate for the post of military commander was confirmed in a presidential letter sent to the House of Representative on Wednesday, quashing all speculation that the Navy might take over the reins of the armed forces.
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The Indonesian Military's (TNI) Army chief of staff Gen. Andika Perkasa rejoices as he announces the abolishing of the "virginity test" imposed on female recruits, on Aug. 10. Andika has been named the sole candidate for the post of the next TNI commander, and will face a hearing at the House of Representatives this week. (Kompas.com/Courtesy of Dispenad)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has proposed that Indonesian Army chief of staff Gen. Andika Perkasa should succeed Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto as Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, as the latter enters retirement age on Nov. 8.
The nomination was confirmed in a presidential letter sent to the House of Representatives on Wednesday, quashing all speculation that a candidate from the Navy (TNI-AL) might take over the reins of the nation’s armed forces.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, House Speaker Puan Maharani confirmed that the Jokowi administration had submitted a letter seeking the House’s approval to make Andika the next military commander.
“The President has proposed just one name for House approval. Today, [the government] submitted a presidential letter proposing Gen. Andika Perkasa to be the candidate for TNI commander,” Puan told reporters.
Even as the sole candidate, Andika must still be vetted for the post by lawmakers, although he is already highly favored among members of House Commission I, which oversees defense, foreign affairs, information and intelligence that will be in charge of his confirmation hearing.
Once confirmed, he will replace Hadi, a close aide of Jokowi, who will vacate his post at the end of the month.
Read also: Speculation intensifies over next TNI chief as Hadi moves closer to retirement
