The Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid, says he has sacked the chief military spokesman, Major-General Sudrajat.

He said the change would be an improvement.

The move follows controversial comments by the spokesman last month questioning whether the head of state had ultimate control over the armed forces -- something most analysts say is clearly enshrined in the constitution.

Correspondents say the comments infuriated the president and that his action comes at a time of mounting friction between Mr Wahid and his top generals. Major-General Sudrajat is to be replaced by Air Vice Marshal Dian Graito Husodo.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service