TNI and civilian achievements<\/p>\n
Dr. Kusnanto Anggoro, a military observer from the Centre for
\nStrategic and International Studies (CSIS) observed that the
\nreformation in the Indonesian Military (TNI) is moving at a
\nsnail's pace. TNI is only transferring members to different
\npositions. He does not see this is too important and does not
\ntouch the core of the problem of reform.<\/p>\n
There is a proverb in the Indonesian, saying that there are
\npeople who can see insects on the other side of the river, but
\nnot an elephant in their own eye (freely translated). This means
\nthat you can easily detect mistakes and shortcomings of others,
\nbut fail to notice your own (much bigger) mistakes.<\/p>\n
For the sake of simplicity, although perhaps not too accurate,
\nlet us divide the nation into two parts, the civilians and the
\nmilitary. Both parts are seriously taking part in the reform
\nprogram, spearheaded by the courageous students. It was the
\nstudents who succeeded in bringing down the New Order and
\nannouncing the birth of the reform era. Let us now compare what
\nthe civilian community has achieved and what the military has
\naccomplished.<\/p>\n
Gen. Wiranto said that the military is not only playing along
\nin this reform era, but is part and parcel of it. This is
\nconsidered the basic stand of the military. They are trying very
\nhard to achieve their goal by bringing far reaching reforms in
\ntheir organization. The army chief of staff said in Surakarta
\nthat people should not even try to bring the TNI back in the
\npolitical arena. Going back to the barracks is our basic policy
\nand that is not negotiable. A similar decision reached after the
\nlatest commanders call was officially announced by the commander
\nin chief of TNI and reported to the President in his position as
\nthe Supreme Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Military.<\/p>\n
So TNI has made a 180 degree turn and is very serious in
\nimplementing it. Although not much has been achieved so far, at
\nleast mentally the whole TNI is on the same wavelength and they
\nare very serious about it.<\/p>\n
Now let us see objectively and honestly, without any bad
\nsentiments what the civilians have achieved so far in the reform
\nera. The loudest cry in this reform era is about the elimination
\nof corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) and the restoration
\nof the supremacy of law.<\/p>\n
Corruption is as rampant as before, new cases are emerging
\nwhile the old cases are still under investigation. While Baligate
\nis unfinished, we now are confronted with Bulogate and possible
\nconnection with high officials.<\/p>\n
The relationship between the Governor of the Central Bank and
\nthe President is still on everybody's mind and it is confusing
\nthe economic markets as well, with the result that the value of
\nour rupiah is steadily falling.<\/p>\n
What have we achieved in the law reform period in this
\ncivilian sector. We read of violent actions against criminals,
\ndisregard for the principle of presumption of innocence.
\nSuspected criminals are caught by crowds who take law in their
\nown hands and torture the victim and most of the time it ends
\nwith the burning of the victim alive. It's barbarian, and we
\nshould be ashamed.<\/p>\n
So in short, what has the civilian community achieved so far
\nin this reform era? The answer is self-explanatory.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-and-civilian-achievements-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }