ABRI not power hungry<\/p>\n
Reading Syamsudin Haris' article (The Jakarta Post, May 29,
\n1995), I cannot escape the feeling that the author is trying to
\npoint out that ABRI is power hungry and reluctant to have its
\nfate decided by powers other than itself and that the House of
\nRepresentatives is more or less impotent. This is my
\ninterpretation and I do not pretend that this is the only
\ninterpretation.<\/p>\n
Let us have a look at the heading: People want more than
\nreduced ABRI representation. If this is what the people want,
\nthen why not do it. The people have elected their representatives
\nto the House to look after their interests. The government works
\ntogether with the House to give the people political, moral and
\nmaterial happiness.<\/p>\n
The reduction of ABRI representation in the House, should have
\ncome from the DPR and not from the government, wrote Syamsudin.
\nThis is not a wrong statement, but, on the contrary, very
\ncorrect. Why then did the people not take the initiative and
\npropose this reduction or change instead of waiting and reacting?<\/p>\n
The government monitoring the situation, finds that it is time
\nto make this step. People should be happy that the government is
\nreally a government of the people and have the public's interest
\nat heart. If the people want more than just a reduction, then the
\nDPR can say so and act accordingly.<\/p>\n
Another statement which disturbed me is: \"The failure to give
\nmore power to the people.\" Is this a failure of the government?
\nWho is giving power to whom? Is the government giving power to
\nthe people or do the people empower to the government. As
\nmentioned by Syamsudin, Indonesian's are sovereign and because of
\nthis they give the power.<\/p>\n
Syamsudin wrote that fixing the number of the ABRI seats is a
\nlimitation of democracy. This is a statement way out of the
\ntruth. The DPR can accept, reject or amend this number. I cannot
\nthink of a regulation that says that the DPR have to accept
\neverything the government proposes.<\/p>\n
All decisions taken should be a result of consultation to
\nreach an agreement. I cannot imagine that the government uses
\npressure and threats to have its proposal accepted. I would like
\nto state that in my conviction our present DPR is a very strong
\nand responsible body, with capable members who fully realize the
\nimportance of its mission.<\/p>\n
Members of the ABRI are true servants of the people and not a
\npower hungry organization and they know perfectly well in whose
\nhands their fate lies.<\/p>\n
Syamsudin wrote: \"it seemed as if ABRI is reluctant to let its
\n'fate' and its future be determined by powers other than itself.\"
\nThis, to my mind, is a wrong interpretation of ABRI's basic
\nattitude. The ABRI know and understand what democracy is and
\nwhere their position is in the nation.<\/p>\n
In my opinion, the dual function of the ABRI is perfectly
\nlegal and is the will of the people as expressed in Law No 80,
\nOctober 23, 1958. The fate and the role of ABRI always have been,
\nand will always be, determined by the people.<\/p>\n
The position of ABRI as a defense power and a social political
\nforce is strengthened by the issuance of Law No 20\/1982 article
\n26 and 228.<\/p>\n
In conclusion I would like to appeal to Syamsudin.<\/p>\n
Please do not accuse the ABRI of being power hungry or
\nreluctant to have their fate decided by powers other than
\nthemselves, because this is not true.<\/p>\n
Please do not blame the government for being active in
\nmonitoring the overall situation and taking steps to improve
\nthings. Do not consider this as a preempted action. After all it
\nis the sacred duty of the government to listen to the hearts of
\nthe people.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/abri-not-power-hungry-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }