Jakarta – Indonesia on Saturday replaced its army commander in the heavily militarised province of East Timor, days after the deadliest wave of violence in the territory in recent years, the Antara news agency reported.

Antara said Colonel Mahidin Simbolon surrendered his command of the Wira Dharma military district in a ceremony in the East Timorese capital Dili after a two-year tour of duty.

Simbolon, a special forces officer appointed to the position in May 1995, came to prominence in 1992 for his key role in the capture of East Timorese rebel leader Xanana Gusmao, now serving a 20-year prison term in Jakarta.

Antara said he would be replaced soon by infantry Colonel Slamat Sidabutur, who was currently on an undisclosed training course.

Diplomatic analysts said it appeared to be a routine change of command.

The report made no reference to a series of clashes between security forces and armed rebels in East Timor on Wednesday and Thursday during bids by opponents of Indonesia's rule in the territory to disrupt Thursday's general election.

Police said at least 17 people were killed in poll-related violence in East Timor on Wednesday and Thursday, including four rebels and one soldier.

Diplomats said separatists had wanted to demonstrate their strength in East Timor and the result was the worst violence in the territory in years.

Indonesia occupied the former Portuguese territory in 1975 and annexed it the following year.

The United Nations still refuses to recognise Indonesia's sovereignty over East Timor, and Portugal said on Thursday it had protested to the world body over the elections.

The Indonesian military, which maintains a strong presence in East Timor, says about 80 poorly armed guerrillas remain in the rugged hills in the territory. Other sources suggest there are around 200.

Jakarta officially has five full battalions of troops as well as other units in East Timor numbering around 5,000 men, far higher than neighbouring provinces with much larger populations.