The military will keep supporting Golkar: Singh<\/p>\n
By Wirasti Wiryono<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Political scientist Bilveer Singh of the
\nNational University of Singapore has been studying Indonesia for
\nyears and is paying particular attention to the general election.<\/p>\n
His published work includes Bear and Garuda, Soviet-Indonesia
\nRelations from Lenin to Gorbachev... (1994) and The Dual Function
\nof the Indonesian Armed Forces: Origins, Actualization and
\nImplications for Stability and Development (1995).<\/p>\n
He recently gave The Jakarta Post his opinion of the Armed
\nForces' (ABRI) political role and other issues relating to the
\nelection.<\/p>\n
Question: What's your opinion of the Armed Forces' role in the
\ndominant Golkar's program to win the election?<\/p>\n
Answer: The role of the Armed Forces' has been paramount since
\n1945 and I do not see this depreciating greatly. ABRI, through
\nits... concept of Dwifungsi (the dual function of playing a
\nsociopolitical and defense role), will continue to be a
\ndetermining force in Indonesian politics.<\/p>\n
The question is whether (this role is played) from the front,
\nmiddle or rear. Tut Wuri handayani (playing the backseat role)
\nnow dominates the Armed Forces' role. One must view its role in
\nthe election from this perspective.<\/p>\n
However, the fact that ABRI and Golkar have been closely
\nassociated is something that cannot be... dismissed. ABRI gave
\nbirth to Golkar. ABRI was Golkar's midwife and to that extent,
\nABRI will for some time have a great stake in the ruling party's
\nviability.<\/p>\n
This is all the more so because of certain individuals, like
\nArmy Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono who is prepared to stake his
\npersonal reputation for Golkar and makes no bones about where
\nABRI stands as far as Golkar is concerned.<\/p>\n
While 'purists'... like Gen. (ret) A.H. Nasution would like to
\nsee a gradual distancing of ABRI from Golkar, I see no signs of
\nthis during the general election.<\/p>\n
To that extent, ABRI will play an important role in helping
\nGolkar win, but this is not to say that the other parties will be
\ngravely discriminated.<\/p>\n
It cannot be denied that the United Development Party (PPP)
\nand the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have been greatly
\nweakened by infighting and their lack of appeal. They are no
\nmatch whatsoever for Golkar and it makes sense for ABRI to
\nsupport Golkar, which has contributed greatly to national
\ndevelopment and security.<\/p>\n
As long as ABRI is even-handed and does not abuse its power
\nvis-a-vis other political parties, I guess there will not be too
\nmuch made about its support and contributions in ensuring Golkar
\nmore than 70 percent of the national vote on May 29.<\/p>\n
And this is simply because the public would expect ABRI to do
\nso, something ABRI has been doing since the first general
\nelection under the new order.<\/p>\n
Q: What are the prospects for greater democratization and human
\nrights in Indonesia?<\/p>\n
A: People (in Southeast Asia) are likely to demand a greater role
\nin political decision making. This means that greater
\ndemocratization is unavoidable.<\/p>\n
At the same time, there will be more demand for respect of
\nhuman rights. All the talk about Asian and Western democracies
\nand human rights is irrelevant. It is an attempt to skirt the
\nissue and it only makes power holders look defensive in the face
\nof imminent and eventual change.<\/p>\n
It would be foolish to emulate Western practices lock, stock
\nand barrel. We need to find our own bearings, and how each
\nsociety finds them is something best left to each particular
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
All the talk on Asian verses Western values is nothing more
\nthan an attempt to impose one's values and this type of
\ncolonialism should not be condoned. Thus, as Indonesia marches
\ninto the 21st century, you will have no choice but to open your
\npolitical corridor for greater democratization and do away with
\nany policy which seems to undermine human rights.<\/p>\n
But this does not mean that societies cannot overcome their
\nthreats from within -- again each society will know best how to
\ndefine what threats are, and how to manage them.<\/p>\n
You consider Budiman (Sudjatmiko) and Bintang (Pamungkas) as
\nthreats. In Singapore (we have different threats). If these are
\nnot really threats and the government persecutes such individuals
\nthen the government will eventually lose its legitimacy. It is
\nthat simple.<\/p>\n
No government can get away with \"political murder\" and this
\nmeans that when a government decides to discipline a particular
\nindividual, it knows full well its strengths and limitations as
\nit stands to reap the benefits or pay for the consequences.<\/p>\n
Q: What is your opinion on the future development of Islam?<\/p>\n
A: This is one of the most misunderstood subjects...I am rather
\ncomfortable with the way Islam has developed in Indonesia. I also
\nbelieve in a country like Indonesia... (which) cannot be
\nextremist by definition. It must be tolerant to all.<\/p>\n
But there is no doubt that Indonesia has an Islamic majority,
\nwhich is a political reality that any political leader will have
\nto contend with. (Islam), especially since the launch of the
\nAssociation of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals seven years ago,
\nhas been reasserting itself.<\/p>\n
This has led many to argue that Islamic fundamentalism is on
\nthe rise but I doubt this is the case. In any society, there will
\nalways be deviants, religious or otherwise.<\/p>\n
Such deviancy is dangerous, all the more in a country like
\nIndonesia which gives legitimacy and respect to other
\nreligions... I have great faith in the Javanese people, who by
\nnature are syncretic and are unlikely to be extremist.<\/p>\n
In view of this... Islam is finding its new place under the
\nIndonesian sun.<\/p>",
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