Civilians must have their say<\/p>\n
It remains unknown how much say civilians will have in shaping
\nreform within the military and deciding the latter's place in
\nIndonesian society. Nonetheless, The Jakarta Post's recent
\ninterviews with George Aditjondro and Cornelis Lay show that the
\nprogress of the reform movement will stagnate if serious measures
\nare not taken to send the military back to the barracks.<\/p>\n
In China, Premier Zhu Rongji has been pushing hard for an end
\nto military involvement in business. Although regarded as part of
\nthe country's effort to reform the economic sector, Zhu's policy
\nis also seen as an attempt to make the People's Liberation Army
\n(PLA) more professional.<\/p>\n
Despite encountering continued resistance from numerous
\nmilitary leaders, the government's efforts have shown some
\nsuccess. And to compensate for the PLA's retreat from the
\neconomy, Beijing has pumped funds generously into military
\ncoffers for force modernization and doctrinal evolution purposes.<\/p>\n
Just like the Indonesian Military (TNI), the PLA became
\ninvolved in business in an effort to raise operational funds.
\nHowever, as the Chinese economy developed, the military's
\nbusiness ventures showed inefficiency and were actually causing
\nharm to the country's overall economic progress. Moreover,
\nspecial privileges given to military businesses divided the
\nsociety as it caused serious discontent among civilians.<\/p>\n
Although it may appear overly simplistic, Indonesia can
\ncertainly learn a lesson or two from the Chinese government's
\ndecision. This may be feasible, especially considering warming
\nties between the two governments.<\/p>\n
In Indonesia, the military's image may have been tarnished by
\nits past wrongdoings and frequent excessive use of violence.
\nHowever, addressing the need for a reconsideration of the dual
\nfunction doctrine and the benefits of military businesses should
\nnot be necessarily seen as anti-militaristic.<\/p>\n
These views should be seen as complements to growing voices
\nwithin the military demanding structural and doctrinal changes.<\/p>\n
TNI remains a crucial institution for defending the nation
\nagainst foreign and internal dangers. Also, amid growing
\ndecentralization sentiments, the military provides the glue for
\npreserving national unity. However, what Indonesia truly needs is
\na focused, professional and accountable TNI, i.e., a military
\nwhose interests are not distracted by continuous meddling in
\npolitics and the economy.<\/p>\n
SANTO DARMOSUMARTO<\/p>\n
Bekasi, West Java<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/civilians-must-have-their-say-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }