Jokowi taps Andika Perkasa as sole candidate for TNI commander

President 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. Reporter : Yerica Lai Video Producer : Abdur Rahim ---- LIKE, FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE to The Jakarta Post's social media accounts for more interesting content! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jakpost Twitter: https://twitter.com/jakpost Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakpostimages Youtube: /TheJakartaPostDigital

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