Jakarta – A proper transition period is needed for Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, who, while still a serving general, has no active assignment, following the inauguration of Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto as Indonesian Military (TNI) commander, an expert has said.

Muradi, a military expert from Padjadjaran University in Bandung, West Java, said it would probably be uncomfortable for Gatot, a former TNI commander, to adjust to his non-active role.

"A non-active position is not a desirable one, especially for a four-star general," he said. Gatot will enter retirement on April 1, 2018.

Muradi said there should be a "soft-landing" for Gatot. "This is important to prevent him from feeling useless or suffering from a post-power syndrome."

Muradi said there were two possible options that could be used as a "soft-landing" position for Gatot. First, Hadi as the new TNI commander could provide Gatot with an active role, such as military advisor.

"This can be a way for Gatot, who is more experienced in leading the TNI, to transfer his knowledge to Hadi," said Muradi. "I think Hadi needs a transfer of knowledge."

In a second suggestion, Muradi said, it would be better if Gatot could be appointed as an expert faculty member at the Indonesian Defense University (Unhan). Gatot has extensive experience in the military field that he could share in his position as an instructor, he said. (nmn/ebf)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/12/11/gatot-needs-soft-landing-before-retirement-expert.html