ABRI and election

Unlike other retired generals, who have versatile and sharp minds in terms of analyzing and predicting political situations, I am reactive and have no ideas of my own. I read something and then react to what is said or written. This is a reaction to an article in The Jakarta Post on Nov. 6, 1996 under the heading Habibie wants new generation in state power.

I support and agree with what Habibie said, because it is time to give the younger generation a chance to take the heavy responsibility on their shoulders while the older generation, experienced in politics, still exists. So there will be intimate cooperation between the aggressive spirit of the young and the calm and wise attitude of the old. The young and the old should work together for the benefit and continuation of our nation, which is slowly but surely becoming a force in politics to be reckoned with. I always say the past is the responsibility of the seniors, the future is in the hands of the juniors, and the present is our common responsibility.

What I don't understand in this article is the call from a famous leading military thinker named Gen. (ret) Soemitro, who appealed that ABRI (the Armed Forces) and the bureaucracy be allowed to help the functional group Golkar win this time, but after that, no way.

In my opinion, ABRI stands above all parties and the functional group. It should not be involved in the politics of any groups. Not even ABRI's politics. How can ABRI help Golkar win the election if Armed Forces members are not going to vote? By coercion, intimidation or pressure? This is not ABRI's style.

Our election is fair and secret, with people voting according to their convictions, free from any group's pressure and officially supervised by a legal, neutral institution created by the government. As far as I know, ABRI is not going to campaign or participate in the campaign of legal existing contestants. There is something called discretion. What ABRI is doing behind the scenes nobody wants to know, although everybody knows.

An open appeal like this, in my opinion, is dangerous and harmful to the image of ABRI as protector, dynamist and stabilizer of the nation.

Another thing which strikes me as strange is his remark: "After this, no way." What does he mean by that? Is ABRI asked to play a limited role after this?

I strongly believe that the time has come for the younger generation to become the flag bearers and govern the country.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta