ABRI and election

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