ABRI's sociopolitical role should be regulated: Analyst<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): A military observer suggested yesterday that the
\nArmed Forces' (ABRI) controversial sociopolitical role be
\nregulated in a decree of the People's Consultative Assembly, the
\ncountry's highest law-making body.<\/p>\n
Addressing a seminar on the ruling Golkar's existence in the
\nreform era, Harsudiono Hartas said the regulation would serve as
\nproof that sovereignty lies with the people.<\/p>\n
\"We cannot let any state policies, including ABRI's
\nsociopolitical role, be decided by only one or a few elements in
\nsociety,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Harsudiono, a former chief of ABRI's influential
\nsociopolitical affairs department, said such a decision must be
\nmade by the people and be regulated through a People's
\nConsultative Assembly decree.<\/p>\n
\"ABRI cannot forward its own wish anymore as the decision will
\nrest with the people,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the Armed Forces dual sociopolitical and
\nsecurity role, he said it should also be reviewed in accordance
\nwith the reform spirit.<\/p>\n
\"ABRI should not meddle in the selection of personnel in the
\nexecutive and legislative bodies,\" he said, \"Let the people
\nhandle it.\"<\/p>\n
The Armed Forces headquarters has maintained its
\nsociopolitical and security roles despite widespread criticism of
\nABRI personnel holding positions in both the executive and
\nlegislative bodies.<\/p>\n
Many ABRI members hold strategic government positions as
\nCabinet ministers, governors, regents and mayors.<\/p>\n
Armed Forces personnel, who do not vote in general elections,
\nare currently allocated 75 seats in the House of Representatives
\nand another 38 seats in the People's Consultative Assembly.<\/p>\n
Harsudiono said the Assembly decree should also regulate the
\nproper mechanism for the transfer and promotion of Armed Forces
\npersonnel.<\/p>\n
\"Transfer and promotion of ABRI personnel should now be
\ndecided upon at the House's recommendation.<\/p>\n
\"It can no longer be decided by several people in the Armed
\nForces headquarters,\" he said. (imn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/abris-sociopolitical-role-should-be-regulated-analyst-1447893297",
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