Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono yesterday (November 7) 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 tomorrow (November 9).

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.

Analysts say that the changes in the military top brass are the prerogative of the President, a former military commander.

"We should see it as part of leadership renewal in the armed forces after he has formed his (new) Cabinet," Arbi Sanit of the University of Indonesia said.

The three outgoing chiefs had completed about two years in their respective positions and were due to retire next year.

The three new chiefs would likely become candidates to replace General Djoko Santoso as chief of Indonesia's armed forces.

Gen Djoko will reach retirement age next year.

It is learnt that the three services chiefs who are being replaced will likely be appointed as ambassadors.