Army Chief Denies Having Linkened President as Sinking Ship

Jakarta (Antara) - Army Chief General Budiman denied having said that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's government was now like a sinking ship that deserves to be abandoned. "I have never (made the statement). I am an honest man and not a type of traitor," General Budiman stated on the sidelines of a roll call of the military forces in charge of pacification of the 2014 presidential election at the Army headquarters in Central Jakarta on Tuesday. Budiman also denied various rumors regarding his replacement as the Army chief, which was carried out in the run up to the announcement of the recent July 9 presidential result by the General Elections Commission (KPU). One of the rumors was an allegation wherein he had mentioned that Yudhoyono's government was now like a sinking ship. This alleged statement is believed to have angered the president. The outgoing Army chief stated that there was no other reason behind his replacement. All is based on procedures. The replacement has been made in connection with his pension period. "There is no problem. It need not be explained," he added. Budiman claimed that he knew he was going to be replaced after Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Commander General Moeldoko called him on Monday evening. Budiman said the important thing to do in a short time is to safeguard the security of the presidential election. "In such a short time, I have to safeguard the implementation of the 2014 presidential election. I did what I thought I could and the best one," General Budiman emphasized. (*)