Focusing on reform process in TNI<\/p>\n
By Philippe Raggi<\/p>\n
PARIS (JP): The problem of the policy of reform in the
\nIndonesian armed forces (TNI) raises several questions. If the
\nnumber of seats allotted to the TNI at the legislature and at the
\nPeople's Consultative Assembly decreases in the coming years and
\nif that was accepted by soldiers, it is less certain that the
\nsame can be said concerning reform of the territorial military
\nstructure and TNI's budget.<\/p>\n
The territorial military structure, a grid covering the entire
\ncountry, is a crucial element for the TNI. If this organization
\nis to be reformed, the consequences will be incalculable for not
\nonly the TNI but for the whole country.<\/p>\n
Fears could involve certain soldiers becoming nostalgic for
\nthe previous New Order regime; an increase in actions carried out
\nby separatist movements and certain radical religious groupings
\n-- especially if the TNI lost presence at the local level.<\/p>\n
The goal of this \"reform policy\" lies with the hope of seeing
\nsoldiers re-enter their barracks and for them to confine
\nthemselves strictly to the business of defense. This, however,
\nrequires several elements: large financial means, however, taking
\ninto account the current economic situation this seems
\nunrealizable; the development of professionalism (the formation
\nof ethical and moral codes for soldiers and an increase in their
\nrequired skills and techniques); an improvement of soldiers'
\nliving conditions (more regular and substantial wages, attenuated
\ndisparities, etc.). And last but not least, the question of
\nmilitary involvement in economic life; does the TNI have to be
\npresent in this sphere whose activity is far from the goals of
\nits first mission of defense?<\/p>\n
Given that the budget for the military accounts for only 25
\npercent of its expenditure, the TNI has turned to extra budgetary
\nfinancing. Thus, by means of foundations, the army, navy and air
\nforce hold and manage -- to different degrees -- companies that
\nmake billions of rupiah, though, at the same time, helping to
\ntarnish the morality of this institution.<\/p>\n
If the reform policy leads to a disengagement of the TNI from
\nthe economic world, questions will remain such as: How will the
\nTNI give up its benefits drawn from these foundations? According
\nto what process? How will it be possible to transfer economic
\npower and with what? Will the companies remain state-owned? Will
\nthe disengagement of soldiers from business be enough to settle
\ncorruption?<\/p>\n
What solutions would compensate for this reform? A reduction
\nof expenditure, how? The budget allocation would of course need
\nto be increased but with what resources?<\/p>\n
Given such complex criticisms, the TNI should be balanced,
\nespecially when we note the real will of the TNI to disengage
\nitself from the political world. Note the abstention of the
\nTNI\/Polri faction at the second motion of censure, as well as at
\nthe convocation of the MPR special session.<\/p>\n
Thus, there remains different issues to be resolved in the
\npolicy of reform in the military. But, with serious and
\nconscientious officers such as Lt.Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, Let.Gen.
\nAgus Widjojo, and Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, the TNI will be able
\nto find its way.<\/p>\n
The writer is a researcher and author of the book Indonesia,
\nthe new deal (Paris, L'Harmattan Ed.), published in November
\n2000.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/focusing-on-reform-process-in-tni-1447893297",
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