TNI to shun elections despite right<\/p>\n
To celebrate its 58th anniversary, which falls on Oct. 5, the
\nIndonesian Military (TNI) has picked \"Make the general election a
\nsuccess\" as the commemoration's theme. The following is an
\nexcerpt of the question and answer session with TNI Commander
\nGen. Endriartono Sutarto, which was attended by The Jakarta
\nPost's Tiarma Siboro.<\/p>\n
Question: In the 2004 general election, the military will have the right
\nto vote, but why did you once tell soldiers not to exercise that
\nright?<\/p>\n
A: We, the military, agree that the 2004 general election is the
\nmost important moment for this country because at this time, the
\ncountry will see the direct election of leaders by the people.
\nAlong with the police, we want to safeguard the event by being
\nneutral and impartial. We hope all parts of the country will
\nsupport us.<\/p>\n
Q: How do you implement it?<\/p>\n
A: As a state apparatus, the military has not exercised the right
\nto vote and consequently, the institution was granted free seats
\nat the legislative body. For a long time we have not exercised
\nour political rights. But changes have been made since
\npoliticians amended the 1945 Constitution and provided us with
\nthe right to vote. Indeed, our seats at the House of
\nRepresentatives will be scrapped in 2004 and at the People's
\nConsultative Assembly in 2009.<\/p>\n
Looking at the current situation of the country, which remains
\nfar from being mature in politics, I think it will be unwise to
\nlet the soldiers maintain impartiality while at the same time
\nvoting for certain political parties. Therefore, again, I ask
\nIndonesian people to allow the soldiers not to exercise their
\npolitical rights.<\/p>\n
Q: What kind of compensation will you ask for?<\/p>\n
A: We have never asked for any compensation from legislators due
\nto our position. TNI belongs to the people, therefore our
\naspirations should be in line with those of the people. We no
\nlonger need to pursue our political interests and, moreover, we
\ndon't ask for certain posts in the cabinet nor other political
\ninstitutions. If the government decides to appoint military
\nofficers as cabinet ministers, I think the decision must be made
\nbased on meritorious and professional considerations.<\/p>\n
Q: Do you anticipate a deadlock in the direct presidential election?<\/p>\n
A: I don't think there will be a deadlock. (But) Perhaps the
\nwinner will not win by an overwhelming number of votes. No matter
\nwho contests the presidential election, the TNI will safeguard
\nthe event until the country chooses a president who is elected
\nconstitutionally.<\/p>\n
Q: How does the military respond to retired officers who wish to
\ncontest the presidential election?<\/p>\n
A: Principally, everybody has the right to run for presidency as
\nlong as they follow existing regulations. Regarding the retired
\nmilitary officers, I have to state that they are no longer within
\nour structure. So there will be no obligation for us to support
\nthem. Also, I ask these retired officers not to seek support nor
\ntake benefits from either military individuals or the military
\ninstitution. I also demand that the military avoid being
\n\"exploited\" by candidates during their campaign.<\/p>\n
Q: Why did you pick politics and general elections as a theme
\ninstead of military professionalism?<\/p>\n
A: I have to talk about politics because the 2004 general
\nelections is considered to be the momentum for the country to
\nemerge from the current crisis. It is such a critical moment for
\nthis country.<\/p>\n
Q: How about the elections in certain troubled provinces, such as
\nAceh?<\/p>\n
A: Regarding Aceh, the TNI has no right to decide whether or not
\nthe martial law there should be lifted or extended. The decision
\nlies with the government and legislators. The six-month period of
\nthe martial law will expire on Nov. 19, so we can leave the
\nmatter to the political authorities... whether or not they will
\nmaintain the status. Our obligation to Aceh people is to enable
\nthem to exercise their right to vote, even if the political
\nauthorities decide to keep the emergency status.<\/p>\n
Q: How about the plan to renew military's weaponry?<\/p>\n
A: Principally, the state will be able to defend its sovereignty
\nand dignity should its security force be provided with enough
\nsupporting equipment. I really want to see the military possess
\nadequate weaponry to safeguard the state's sovereignty and
\nsafety.<\/p>\n
Although the country is currently facing a difficult economic
\nsituation, I think the TNI's need for weaponry should not be a
\nproblem because we can rely on domestic companies which produce
\nmilitary equipment, such as (Surabaya-based state ship maker) PT
\nPAL. We can purchase it from neighboring countries through
\ncounter trade deals.<\/p>\n
I wish to equip the Air Force with a squadron of Russian-made
\nSukhoi jet fighters; or six MI-35 assault helicopters for the
\nArmy; or strengthen our Navy with dozens of vessels to guard our
\nvast territory (with some 17,000 islands). But, that's just what
\nI wish.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-to-shun-elections-despite-right-1447893297",
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