REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) inaugurated Lt. Gen. Andika Perkasa as new Army chief of staff (KSAD) at State Palace on Thursday (Nov 22) morning. Jokowi said Andika’s appointment was based on his track record.
“We see Mr Andika track record as commander of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus), commander of Training and Doctrine Development (Kodiklat), regional military commander (Pangdam), the Army's Strategic Reserve commander (Kostrad), and commander of the Presidential Guards (Danpaspamres),” said Jokowi on Thursday (Nov 22).
New Army chief of staff Andika Perkasa (left) and his predecessor Mulyono shake hands after inauguration in State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (November 22).
Jokowi said there were four candidates submitted as new Army chief of staff. However, he assessed Andika is the right one to replace Gen. Mulyono who will retire in January 2019.
“I think it’s complete, yes actually there are several candidates, but we have decided, just see Mr Andika career,” Jokowi added.
Jokowi asserted Andika’s appointment has been done through a number of considerations, including work experience and education. When being asked about specific assignment for Andika, Jokowi said will hand over it to Andika.
“The new Army chief of staff knows what should be done for nation and country,” Jokowi said.