ABRI are fortunate

ABRI are fortunate

From Ummat

The most fortunate citizens of the Republic of Indonesia are the Armed Forces (ABRI) personnel. They have the opportunity to hold positions in not only their own structure but also in other sectors like the bureaucracy -- right up to its highest rank i.e. the president.

An officer cadet becomes a second lieutenant after three to four years of education. This officer is entitled to periodic promotion during his service coupled with additional and relevant training.

What about the civil service? To become an engineer one has to complete a six-to-seven-year university education. Yet there is no guarantee the degree holder will get a job. A medical student takes seven to eight years to graduate. After graduation he/she is sent to remote places before being entitled to work as a general practitioner.

At present ABRI personnel can become members of the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) without being elected. But a civilian wishing to become a member of the DPR has first to become a member of a political party and be categorized as an outstanding cadre. Only after going through a long process and tough competition among the cadres, can the potential cadre get a ticket to the DPR.

Therefore, it is unfair and undemocratic for ABRI personnel to be given privileges to be appointed DPR members. We can tolerate it, however, if ABRI is represented in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), provided their representation is limited to four members, one for each of the four forces, including the police. Moreover, ABRI should only get one vote in the Assembly, regardless of the number of its representatives.

ABRI's dual function has unfortunately been extended into a multifunction which is very militaristic in nature. This situation has led to the impression that ABRI is arrogant and bullies the people. Sadly, ABRI is affiliated more to the central power rather than to people's hearts. ABRI has no credibility as the protector of the people.

GUSTAM EFFENDI

Bandung, West Java