General Pramono Hands Over Post to Lt Gen Moeldoko

Jakarta (Antara) - General Pramono Edhie Wibowo handed over his post of army chief of staff to Lieutenant General Moeldoko in a ceremony held at the Army Headquarters here on Thursday. "Today, I feel glad because I was replaced by someone who is really capable. As a senior I am glad to be replaced by a junior who is better," he said after the handing over ceremony. Lt. Gen. Moeldoko meanwhile said he would continue the programs that the former army chief of staff has already started. "The program that I will continue is maintaining and improving what have been implemented by the former army chief of staff to assure continuity and consistency to realize the army's mission," he said. Defense Forces (TNI) Commander Admiral Agus Suhartono meanwhile expressed his pride and appreciation to the dedication that has been shown by General Pramono Edhie Wibowo in paving the way for strengthening the capacity and capability of the army to be as expected. He said efforts to modernize the army's weaponry including the procurement of main battle tanks or "mistral" for improving air defense and procurement of combat and attack helicopters to strengthen mobility were big strides for the development of a minimum essential force. "I believe the pioneering efforts could be continued by Lt.Gen. Moeldoko accompanied by creative, innovative, correct, oriented and sustainable human resource management," he said. He also said he believed the Indonesian army would be more solid, professional, modern, strong and loved by the people and also love the people. (*)