JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - INDONESIAN President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Saturday replaced the heads of the three services of the Indonesian armed forces, TNI, in a surprise move. Army Chief of Staff Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo will be replaced by Commander of the Army Strategic Command George Toisutta while Navy Chief of Staff Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno will be replaced by Defence Ministry Inspector-General Agus Suhartono. And Air Force Chief Subandrio will make way for his deputy, Air Vice-Marshal Imam Sufaat.

There was no official comment from the military on the unexpected replacement of the three services chiefs just days before the Indonesian President leaves for an official visit to Malaysia and Singapore, where he will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit.

The three new chiefs, who were in No. 2 positions in their respective forces, will be sworn into office by Dr Yudhoyono on Sunday. First Admiral Iskandar Sitompul, a spokesman for the Navy, said: 'I am surprised. Perhaps the information was relayed to the Navy chief directly.' Army spokesman Christian Zebua told the Jakarta Globe that the presidential decree stipulating Gen Agustadi's replacement was issued last Friday.