JAKARTA, Oct 10 (AFP) - The incoming Indonesian government has asked to be consulted before a replacement for military chief General Endriartono Sutarto is appointed, a report said Sunday.
The Koran Tempo newspaper quoted vice-president elect Jusuf Kalla as saying that the outgoing administration of President Megawati Sukarnoputri should discuss Sutarto's replacement with her successor.
"The (current) president's government only has some 10 days remaining while the upcoming military chief has to work together with the president-elect for the next five years," Kalla was quoted as saying.
"Therefore it would be polite and ethical if it is arranged together with the president elect," said Kalla, who will be sworn in on October 20.
Megawati, who will be replaced by retired general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has informed the House of Representatives (DPR) of Sutarto's resignation. No reason was given for the resignation.
Megawati has proposed army chief General Ryamizard Ryacudu to replace him.
DPR speaker Agung Laksono said Sutarto's resignation has not yet been approved by the legislature and the issue will be discussed by the DPR leadership and the heads of the political factions on Monday.
Kalla stopped short of demanding that the DPR withhold approval of Megawati's proposed replacement.
Recent reports said Sutarto quit after opposing Megawati's decision to award honorary four-star general status to Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno and intelligence chief Abdullah Hendropriyono, both retired army officers.
Even if Ryacudu is appointed to replace Sutarto, who reached the retirement age of 55 two years ago, the incoming president can appoint a new military commander when he assumes office.