ABRI and election<\/p>\n
Unlike other retired generals, who have versatile and sharp
\nminds in terms of analyzing and predicting political situations,
\nI am reactive and have no ideas of my own. I read something and
\nthen react to what is said or written. This is a reaction to an
\narticle in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 6, 1996 under the heading
\nHabibie wants new generation in state power.<\/p>\n
I support and agree with what Habibie said, because it is time
\nto give the younger generation a chance to take the heavy
\nresponsibility on their shoulders while the older generation,
\nexperienced in politics, still exists. So there will be intimate
\ncooperation between the aggressive spirit of the young and the
\ncalm and wise attitude of the old. The young and the old should
\nwork together for the benefit and continuation of our nation,
\nwhich is slowly but surely becoming a force in politics to be
\nreckoned with. I always say the past is the responsibility of the
\nseniors, the future is in the hands of the juniors, and the
\npresent is our common responsibility.<\/p>\n
What I don't understand in this article is the call from a
\nfamous leading military thinker named Gen. (ret) Soemitro, who
\nappealed that ABRI (the Armed Forces) and the bureaucracy be
\nallowed to help the functional group Golkar win this time, but
\nafter that, no way.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, ABRI stands above all parties and the
\nfunctional group. It should not be involved in the politics of
\nany groups. Not even ABRI's politics. How can ABRI help Golkar
\nwin the election if Armed Forces members are not going to vote?
\nBy coercion, intimidation or pressure? This is not ABRI's style.<\/p>\n
Our election is fair and secret, with people voting according
\nto their convictions, free from any group's pressure and
\nofficially supervised by a legal, neutral institution created by
\nthe government. As far as I know, ABRI is not going to campaign
\nor participate in the campaign of legal existing contestants.
\nThere is something called discretion. What ABRI is doing behind
\nthe scenes nobody wants to know, although everybody knows.<\/p>\n
An open appeal like this, in my opinion, is dangerous and
\nharmful to the image of ABRI as protector, dynamist and
\nstabilizer of the nation.<\/p>\n
Another thing which strikes me as strange is his remark:
\n\"After this, no way.\" What does he mean by that? Is ABRI asked to
\nplay a limited role after this?<\/p>\n
I strongly believe that the time has come for the younger
\ngeneration to become the flag bearers and govern the country.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/abri-and-election-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }