TNI Commander Rescinds Mutation Orders for Senior Officers
JAKARTA — May 16, 2024 — A recent decree by the TNI (Indonesian Military) Commander has considerably impacted the Indonesian military, reversing the previously planned reassignment of several senior officers. The decision,detailed in Decree Kep/554.A/IV/2025, cancels an earlier order concerning key figures such as Lt. Gen. Kunto Arief Wibowo. This change,issued on April 30,2025,followed a similar decree issued the day before,which initially detailed the changes. For more details,read on.
TNI Commander Rescinds Mutation Orders for Senior Officers
Jakarta—A recent decree by the TNI (Tentara Nasional Indonesia, or Indonesian national Military) Commander has reversed the planned reassignment of several high-ranking officers. Lt. Gen. kunto Arief wibowo, son of retired Gen. Try Sutrisno, will remain in his current position after an initial order transferring him to the Special Staff of the Army Chief of Staff was rescinded.
The reversal is documented in Decree of the TNI Commander Number Kep/554.A/IV/2025, dated April 30, 2025, and signed by Brig. Gen. Mohammad Sjahroni, Head of the General Secretary (Setum) of the TNI. This new decree effectively cancels Decree Number Kep/554/IV/2025, issued just a day earlier on April 29, 2025, which detailed the original dismissals and appointments.
Official Explanation
Brig. Gen. Sianturi, Kapuspen TNI (Head of the TNI Information Center), addressed the situation during an online press conference, stating:
So indeed a Decree of the TNI Commander was issued number Kep/554.A/IV/2025 dated April 30,2025 which contained a change from the Decree of the TNI commander Number Kep/554/IV/2025 issued on April 29,2025.
He emphasized that the new decree supersedes the previous one, clarifying the official stance on the matter.
Other Officers Affected
Lt. Gen.Wibowo was not the only officer whose reassignment was canceled. The decree also impacted the following officers:
- Laksda TNI Hersan: Previously slated to become Pangkogabwilhan I (Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command I), a position he was to assume after serving as Pangkoarmada III (Commander of the Fleet Command III).
- Laksda TNI H. Krisno Utomo: His move from Pangkolinlamil (Commander of the Naval Logistics Command) to Pangkoarmada III was also nullified.
- Laksda TNI Rudhi Aviantara: He will remain Kogabwilhan II Kas (Chief of Staff of the Joint Regional Defense command II), rather of moving to Pangkolinlamil.
- Laksma TNI Phundi Rusbandi: His transfer to kogabwilhan II cash was canceled.
- Laksma TNI Benny Febri: He will remain in his current role instead of becoming KSAL Waaskomlek (Deputy Assistant for Electronics and Information of the Navy Chief of Staff).
- Laksma TNI Maulana: He will stay as a special staff of KSAL, rather than becoming a cadrekomlekal.
Reasons for the Reversal
Kristomei, further elaborating on the decision, explained that the officers have specific, ongoing responsibilities that necessitate their continued service in their current roles. He stated:
Because there are indeed tasks that must be completed by them, before the advancement of the current situation.
He also sought to dispel any potential speculation, adding:
There is no perception of anything to the public, indeed the organization and dynamic development.