TNI playing democratic role<\/p>\n
An article in The Jakarta Post, U.S. wants TNI under civilian
\ncontrol, Oct. 1, reported what the U.S. Secretary of Defense Mr.
\nCohen said in his press conference in Jakarta. I found some parts
\nof his statement confusing, especially when he said: \"We hope
\nthat the military would in fact be subordinated and subject to
\nthe governance and rule of civilian officers\".<\/p>\n
Why did he say that? I think he knows that the military
\norganization is under civilian control, because article 10 of the
\nIndonesian 1945 Constitution clearly states that the President
\nholds the supreme power over the army, navy and air force. And so
\nthe Supreme Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI)
\nis the President. There is no military junta in Indonesia, not in
\nthe past, not at present and never will be in the future.<\/p>\n
He said further that there is heartfelt desire on the part of
\nthe Indonesian people to make sure that the military does in fact
\nabide by civilian rule. There is no need to make that sure,
\nbecause the military does in fact abide by civilian rule.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Secretary of Defense is perhaps mixing the legal
\nposition of the TNI and its dual function where the military is
\nplaying a very important role outside its basic military
\nprofession. The military still is a disciplined organization
\nunder the civilian government. There is growing opposition
\nagainst the dual function. Demonstrations have been organized to
\nabolish the dual function and TNI has taken serious notice of
\nthat.<\/p>\n
By saying in his statement that the world would like to see
\nwhether or not there is a genuine commitment to achieve reform in
\nthe sense of subordinating the military to civilian rule, the
\nU.S. Secretary of Defense is, with due respect, exaggerating.<\/p>\n
I have never heard or read the world expressing their desire
\nto see subordination of the military to civilian rule. Foreign
\ncountries consider this as a domestic situation in a sovereign
\nand independent Indonesia. I have never read or heard the world
\ncommenting on the military's role in Indonesia, especially that
\nthey are not listening to the civilian government. Indonesia is
\nnot a banana republic with military juntas each in turn
\ncontrolling the government.<\/p>\n
In relation to the dual function, four influential leaders,
\nAmien Rais, Megawati, Gus Dur, and the Sultan of Yogyakarta met
\nin Ciganjur and agreed that the dual function should be abolished
\nin six years time. TNI accepted the will of the people by saying,
\nwhat is good for the people is good for TNI and as long as
\ncivilians can do their job well let them do that. Throughout
\ntheir performance of duty the military has tried hard to honor
\nhuman rights, although some times it is very difficult to stay
\ncalm and do nothing when the demonstrators are throwing stones,
\nspitting in their faces and shouting dirty words.<\/p>\n
But I am happy that Cohen highlighted the important role TNI
\nhas to play in the country's road to democracy. My opinion is
\nthat if TNI can play an important role in the country's
\ndemocratization, then this is a recognition of the democratic
\nrole TNI is playing. TNI is flexible and will support reformation
\nas long as it is for the good of the people.<\/p>\n
TNI is facing a long and rough road ahead, but with God's
\nblessing it will be able to overcome all difficulties as it has
\ndone in the past when facing rebellious elements.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-playing-democratic-role-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }