DPR to conduct fit and proper test on TNI chief candidate

The House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I is set to conduct a fit and proper test on a candidate for the Indonesian military (TNI) chief on Wednesday.

"We have just held a meeting of the DPR Commission I. At the meeting, we agreed to conduct a fit and proper test starting at 10.00 a.m.," Deputy Chief of the House Commission I, TB Hasanuddin, said here on Tuesday.

The test will start with the examination of the candidate`s administrative qualifications at 10.00 a.m., and the test will begin only at 10.45 a.m., he stated.

He added that the test will be conducted openly when the candidate briefs the House Commission I about his vision and mission. The test will be held behind closed door when it deals with secret things.

"We will later hold a closed-door meeting to decide whether to reject or accept his nomination," he added.

The House Commission I will ask in detail about the vision and mission of the TNI chief candidate, he noted.

Hasanudin remarked that he would enquire about the strategic plan for the procurement of the military`s armament systems.

President Joko Widodo has reportedly suggested that Air Force Chief of Staff Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto lead the Indonesian military after Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo retires.

"I believe that the TNI will become more professional under his leadership," Widodo noted here on Monday.

The president emphasized that the appointment of Tjahjanto, as commander of the TNI, was in accordance with the procedure.

Nurmantyo will retire in March next year.

"Hence, this is a normal mechanism, as Mr. Gatot will retire," the president explained.

The president expressed optimism that the proposal for the appointment of Tjahjanto would be received by the House of Representatives (DPR).

The DPR had earlier received a letter from Widodo on the replacement of Nurmantyo and the appointment of Tjahjanto as commander of the TNI

Source: ANTARA