Indonesia's Air Force Chief of staff Air Marshall Djoko Soeyanto was sworn in on Monday as the country's new armed forces (TNI) commander in a ceremony at the state palace here.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono asked the new commander to continue with the initial reform of Soeyanto's predecessor General Endriartono Sutarto who has reached retirement age.

"General Sutarto has carried out reform and brought respect to democracy, judiciary system and human rights in the military," said Susilo.

Soeyanto, 55, is the first air force chief to lead the TNI.

Susilo also has issued a presidential degree on the appointment of Air Marshall Herman Prayitno as the new air force chief of staff.

Source: Xinhua