Indonesian minister says military chief to keep job

October 6, 2000
Web posted at: 3:05 PM HKT (0705 GMT)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) -- Indonesia's defence minister on Friday dismissed rumours that the head of the country's armed forces, criticised for weak leadership of his wayward troops, was about to be sacked.

Analysts have speculated that military commander Adm. Widodo, who has already reached the retirement age of 55, would soon be replaced as part of a wide-ranging cleanout of the military's top brass.

"I can confirm that there will be no change of the armed forces commander at least for one year," Defence Minister Mahfud MD told reporters.

Rumours of the changes in the armed forces leadership follow growing doubts about the ability of top generals to control their troops.

Rogue soldiers have been stirring a religious war in the Moluccas, committing abuses in the rebellious province of Aceh, and aiding the East Timorese militias in West Timor.

Since coming to power nearly one year ago, President Abdurrahman Wahid has progressively weeded out military hardliners, putting his own men into the top jobs.

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