Chuan, who is also defence minister, must shortly make some tough decisions on military spending. Sugiono to the powerful position of chief of staff for general affairs. With Gen. Subagio, a former presidential bodyguard, remaining army commander, critics inevitably homed in on the fact that Suharto-era loyalists will continue to hold the top positions through this year's vital parliamentary and presidential elections. Nonetheless, analysts saw encouraging signs in the way the reshuffle has made room for a new generation of reform-minded officers. These rising stars will have the onerous task of trying to restore the military's tarnished credibility in the next millennium.
Some analysts see evidence that the army is trying to dilute Islamic influences.
They cite Lumintang's promotion and the transfer of Maj.-Gen. Sang Nyoman Suwisma, the Bali-born commander of Kalimantan, to Ryamizard's former post as chief of staff of the Army Strategic Reserve. Others prefer to view the shuffle as part of an inevitable evolution as Indonesia edges towards more-democratic government and pressure mounts on the military to lower its political profile. If it hadn't happened, then they might have become restless. Review Publishing Company Limited, Hong Kong.