Jakarta – The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) has replaced its navy and air force chiefs in a routine military reshuffle, the head of the military announced yesterday.

Navy Chief of Staff Indroko Sastrowiryono was replaced by Admiral Bernard Kent Sondakh, currently inspector-general of the armed forces, Admiral Widodo Adisucipto told reporters at a press conference here.

Air Force Chief of Staff Hanafie Asnan was succeeded by Air Vice-Marshal Chappy Hakim, who has headed the Armed Forces Academy for the past year.

The reshuffle, approved on Tuesday by President Megawati Sukarnoputri, was made as "part of the process of regeneration of the leadership", Adm Widodo said. He said the replacement of the two chiefs of staff was not a hasty decision as it had long been discussed within TNI.

He added that both men would be sworn in today. "The two new chiefs of staff will be installed by Mrs Megawati during a ceremony at Merdeka Palace on Thursday," he said.

Despite efforts at reform, the Indonesian military still retains significant political power. As such, movements within the top brass are watched closely.

There is speculation that the current army chief of staff, General Endriartono Sutarto, will soon replace Adm Widodo as the commander of the armed forces.