Jakarta. The State Logistics Agency (Bulog) will once again be led by an army general following the honorable discharge of Lieutenant General Novi Helmy Prasetya, who will return to military service, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani has been selected to succeed Novi, but he must retire from the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) before officially taking up the civilian post, Sjafrie said.

“The current military law outlines specific civilian roles that may be filled by active-duty officers, but Bulog is not among them. This means Rizal must first retire from the TNI,” the minister told reporters in Jakarta.

Novi, who was still an active officer when appointed as Bulog chief, faced public criticism over the legal inconsistency. He has since opted to return to the military rather than retire.

“In light of this development and the organization’s needs, the TNI has decided to welcome Lieutenant General Novi Helmy Prasetya back to headquarters, in full compliance with applicable laws,” said military spokesman Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi.

Kristomei added that the TNI commander has formally submitted a written request to the government for Novi’s withdrawal from the leadership of Bulog.