TNI dual function is legitimate<\/p>\n
In some newspapers recently we read about a possible political
\ncomeback of the Indonesian military (TNI) due to the proposed
\nreactivation of the military command in Aceh. Politicians,
\nunsympathetic to the TNI, warn the public that this is a sign
\nthat the military is rebuilding its political power base.<\/p>\n
Although I, as a retired soldier, don't believe in this
\nprediction; I cannot suppress a feeling of pride due to the fact
\nthat the TNI is still appreciated by the public.<\/p>\n
I am convinced that at present the TNI is still the only body
\nwhich is compact, with a clear job description and line of
\ncommand, possesses high discipline and a patriotic spirit, while
\nenforcing the law.<\/p>\n
I read a statement by Kusnanto -- political analyst from the
\nCentre for Strategic and International Studies -- that former
\npresident Abdurrahman Wahid was known as a leader who wanted to
\nsee the military out of politics. But when he had the legal
\nopportunity and prerogative to appoint his Cabinet, he still
\nplaced military people in very strategic places like minister of
\nhome affairs, minister of trade and industry, minister of
\ncommunication and transportation and minister of politics and
\nsecurity. Were there no civilians who could fill these jobs or
\nperhaps Abdurrahman did not trust civilian politicians?<\/p>\n
The problem now is how to abolish the mistrust and suspicion
\nagainst the TNI. But again this is not to difficult to achieve.
\nThe political parties should consolidate themselves and sincerely
\nfight for the welfare of the people. I have the feeling, which I
\nhope is incorrect, that personal ambitions are guiding the
\nbehavior of politicians and causing them to neglect the party's
\nideals. To restore trust in the military and take away fear of
\nrivalry within the political parties, the government and the
\nHouse of Representatives should abolish Law No 20\/1982 and the
\nMPR decision No. IV\/1978.<\/p>\n
The dual function of the military is not a product of power
\nhungry officers, but a legal product designed according to
\nexisting regulations and TNI performs the dual function because
\nthis was considered to be an order.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-dual-function-is-legitimate-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }