Military Observer Calls KSAL Figure Yudo Margono Right To Replace General Andika Who Retires December 2022

KSAL Admiral Yudo Margono conveyed a statement to reporters at Arafuru Koarmada I Field, Central Jakarta, Tuesday (27/9/2022). (ANTARA)

Jakarta - The position of General Andika Perkasa as TNI Commander will end in December 2022. Military and defense observer Connie Rahakundini Bakrie assessed that the Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral Yudo Margono was the most appropriate figure to replace General Andika Perkasa. Connie said that to build a qualified maritime force with the vision of the strength of the Integrated Tri Matra, the position of TNI Commander must come from the navy (AL). "So I think Pak Yudo Margono should be able to build qualified maritime forces, by building an integrated Tri Matra strength unit, the basic must be from the navy," Connie said in an electronic message received in Jakarta, Sunday, November 6. Moreover, he said, President Jokowi's two terms of leadership had never appointed the TNI Commander from the naval unit. "In my opinion, President Jokowi should still hold the promised commitment regarding the ideals. So it should be Pak Yudo Margono," Connie continued. According to Connie, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has promised to rebuild Indonesia's maritime sovereignty, culture and glory. Connie assessed that Yudo was very appropriate to be the TNI Commander because he had occupied several important positions including the Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (PangKogabwilhan). Furthermore, he explained that currently regional issues have begun to emerge. So a military commander from the naval circle is needed. "Well, it is closely related to the navy because we are bordering Natuna. The second is the issue of Pasir Island with Australia. It is also closely related to the capabilities and capacity of the navy," he explained. However, Connie did not deny that apart from Yudo, no one was able to build a maritime defense in Indonesia. "Once again, I'm not saying that others can't build but if it's easiest it builds a posture to out- looking defense from a maritime country, it must be based on sea transportation," Connie said.