Imanuddin Razak, Jakarta – It is apparent that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has heard the demand that the post of Indonesian Military (TNI) chief be rotated among the three military forces: the Army, Navy and Air Force.

This week, he named Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto as his sole candidate for the post, instead of the most senior officer in the pipeline – former Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu.

Based on the rotation system, which is suggested in the 2004 law on the TNI, it is indeed the turn of an Air Force officer to lead the military.

Though not yet confirmed – observing the legal framework for the nomination and appointment of a TNI chief, which requires approval from the House of Representatives prior to the final appointment – Djoko will almost surely become the next TNI chief, replacing Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.

The only potential obstacle to Djoko's appointment is the House's endorsement. And from the political atmosphere in the legislative body, it is likely the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction in the House will offer some opposition to the appointment.

However, the party, led by former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the daughter of founding president Sukarno, has toned down its rhetoric over the nomination.

Both the head of the PDI-P faction in the House, Tjahjo Kumolo, and the party's secretary-general, Pramono Anung Wibowo, have expressed the party's position in gentler tones, only saying the PDI-P will question the government's position regarding a presidential decree by Megawati a few days before she ended her term on Oct. 20, 2004. That decree endorsed Endriartono's request for retirement and appointed Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu as his successor.

Despite the party's close ties to Ryamizard, it is understandable that the PDI-P has begun showing positive gestures toward the Djoko's nomination.

Historically, the Air Force has had good relations with Sukarno and Megawati. That is likely the reason the PDI-P does not seem to be gearing up for an all-out fight over Djoko's nomination.

The potential appointment of an Air Force chief to the TNI's top post, however, may reopen old wounds and heighten the tension among the armed forces – mainly between the Army and the Air Force. We must remember the nation was torn by a serious rivalry between the two forces during the last years of Sukarno's presidency.

After the downfall of Sukarno in 1966, in the wake of a power struggle between the Army and the now banned Indonesian Communist Party (PKI), alleged Sukarno- and PKI-related government officials and military officers were dismissed, including then Minister/Air Force chief Vice Marshal Omar Dhani, who also was jailed.

One of the positive aspects of Djoko's appointment is that it could mark the beginning of a new era of closer ties among the three military forces, especially with Susilo – a retired Army general – being the one who nominated an Air Force man for the post.

Apart from the political reasons behind Djoko's nomination, if the House approves his appointment, it could turn out to be a difficult task for Djoko to lead the military.

The fact that Djoko does not come from the biggest force – the Army – which roughly comprises half of the TNI, will make it difficult for him to gain full control.

It also will not be easy for him to carry out reforms within the TNI, a task that is eagerly expected by Indonesians, as he must secure the commitment of other forces – mainly the Army – in pursuing reform.

His military career, which was mostly spent in operational fields and has hardly touched on reform-related tasks or issues, is not indicative of a probable reform agenda. The only strategic "learning" period he had was when he attended a course at the National Resilience Institute in 1999.

Also, Djoko is not a well-known officer and there is no mention in his military records of any large or significant military operations that he led.

As a result of all this, it would be advisable for President Susilo to give full support to Djoko, should he eventually be confirmed as TNI chief. Susilo nominated him and is responsible for ensuring his appointment goes smoothly.

Otherwise, the whole process could aggravate old rivalries between the forces, which would jeopardize the country's unity and security.