Good, bad and moderate<\/p>\n
For years some people have been unhappy with the way the
\nauthorities assess security conditions here. Officials always
\ncome to the conclusion that \"the situation is stable and fully
\nunder control\", yet there is always a reason to justify
\nheightened vigilance. Indonesian Communist Party remnants,
\n\"liberals\" and, more recently, the so-called OTB, or formless
\norganizations, have been routinely been cited as a cause for
\nextra security measures.<\/p>\n
Thus it was refreshing to learn of a statement made the other
\nday by the Chief of the Armed Forces (ABRI), who outlined a
\ntotally different approach to security matters. General Feisal
\nTanjung's speech, delivered in Bandung before an annual meeting
\nwith the Army's regional commanders from all over the country,
\ndeserves closer examination.<\/p>\n
Gen. Feisal breaks down society into three major categories:
\nconservatives, moderates and radicals. Those three groups
\npresumably have different perceptions of development in the
\ncountry, especially in respect to social and economic
\ndisparities.<\/p>\n
The radicals, according to Gen. Feisal, are disappointed with
\nthe current situation. They believe that the system cannot cope
\nwith the problems at hand.<\/p>\n
The conservatives, on the contrary, are content with the
\npresent system but expect improvements in the future. The
\nmoderates are less satisfied with development progress, but
\nsteadfast in their belief that proper corrections will help the
\nsystem perform better in the future.<\/p>\n
Gen. Feisal called on the commanders to look out for certain
\ngroups trying to interfere or do away with the Armed Forces's
\nsocial and political functions as part of their plan to change
\nthe national system.<\/p>\n
In the current development era, according to Feisal, a
\nstronger moderate group is the better choice. Their dominance
\nwould contribute to stronger national resilience, thus paving the
\nway to sustainable development.<\/p>\n
What is interesting in Gen. Feisal Tanjung's remarks is not
\njust the absence of any mention of such traditional foes as the
\nOTB or PKI, but the rationale behind his view. His statement is
\nmore sober, more realistic, and less an overreaction typical of
\npast security officials.<\/p>\n
Many people are still confused by the remarks made a few weeks
\nback, when the authorities accused several individuals of being
\nthe masterminds behind the formless organizations. If the
\naccusations were correct, why have no follow-up measures been
\ntaken?<\/p>\n
Gen. Feisal Tanjung's statement is clearly debatable, but the
\nfact that the top ABRI officer did not take a shot in the dark is
\na welcome sign. Sound reasoning and assessments are the only way
\nto convince the people that the military is not scheming to
\njustify and maintain certain policies.<\/p>\n
We hope that Gen. Feisal Tanjung's example will be followed by
\nhis subordinates. One should understand that those with different
\nopinions are not always enemies and should be treated fairly.
\nWhile we acknowledge that there are indeed still parties trying
\nto undermine the government, we should not generalize or
\ndiscriminate arbitrarily.<\/p>\n
A rigid and over-suspicious policy will only harm our efforts
\nto build a solid and unified platform for progress.<\/p>\n
Democracy and openness are imperative if we are to move
\nsuccessfully into the 21st century. We must therefore adapt
\nourselves to more open and rational attitudes, and leave obsolete
\nways of thinking behind.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/good-bad-and-moderate-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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