'ABRI will help boost democracy'
'ABRI will help boost democracy'
JAKARTA (JP): The participation in politics of the Indonesian
Armed Forces (ABRI) will enhance democracy, rather than lead to
authoritarianism, President Soeharto said yesterday.
"We are resolved to prove that the role of ABRI as soldiers
and fighters will not lead to a militaristic, authoritarian or
totalitarian government," Soeharto, ABRI's supreme commander,
said in a speech marking the 50th anniversary of the forces.
On the contrary, ABRI is obliged to push for the development
of Pancasila democracy, he said during the ceremony held at the
Halim Perdanakusuma military air base in East Jakarta.
Soeharto dismissed concerns, expressed abroad and at home,
about the dual role played by ABRI -- as a defense and security
force and also a socio-political force.
Soeharto noted that in some other countries, the growing
strength of the armed forces had led to the birth of militaristic
governments. "But the role played by ABRI is different from those
of these other militaries. An ABRI member is first and foremost a
fighter," he said.
"There are no other armed forces in advanced countries that we
could use for comparison. We have to develop our own doctrines,
strategies, tactics and techniques on the basis of our own ideals
and experience," said the retired Army general.
ABRI's golden anniversary was commemorated in a ceremony which
included the largest parade ever held by the military, involving
over 11,000 troops, 173 aircraft and dozens of tanks, armored
vehicles and other military hardware.
Besides the flypass and air acrobatics of the F16 fighters,
the Air Force's most prized aircraft, there was also a display of
a counter-terrorist operations by a unit of Kopassus, the Army's
elite force.
Parade
The parade was not only watched by the invited VIPs --
including top government officials, foreign ambassadors and
ABRI's top brass. One section of the air base was opened to
members of the public to watch the colorful ceremony. Most came
in military trucks provided by the Army in Jakarta's five
mayoralties. The three-hour event was broadcast live nationwide.
ABRI was formed on Oct. 5, 1945, through a merger of the
various militias in existence when the nation proclaimed its
independence the previous August.
Because of the nature of its inception, ABRI leaders
repeatedly remind their troops that the military was "born of the
people, for the people and by the people."
The anniversary came at a time when ABRI's Dwi Fungsi (dual
function) has come under closer scrutiny, not only from abroad,
but also from people at home.
On this issue, Soeharto said that ABRI must be prepared to
take a back seat in politics while ensuring the continuity of
national development.
"What is considered best for the people of Indonesia is also
best for ABRI. Nowadays, the strategic role of ABRI is as tut
wuri handayani for the other forces existing within society," he
said, referring to the Javanese phrase which means "to supervise
from the rear".
As society is undergoes rapid and major changes, "ABRI must
know where to place itself," Soeharto said. "The role of ABRI can
be expanded and reduced according as needs be."
After the ceremony, ABRI chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung told
reporters that his forces are prepared to accept the position of
tut wuri handayani. He said the adoption of that role would allow
the military to concentrate on the task of defending the nation.
"After 50 years of independence, this is the most appropriate
position. ABRI's other duty is to ensure the safety of the nation
and the country and, under these conditions, it will carry out
that task optimally."
ABRI's chief concern remains the same as it has always been,
namely to support national development for the prosperity of the
people, he added.
During the military parade, Soeharto was joined on the podium
by Gen. Feisal, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono, Air Force Chief
of Staff Marshal Rilo Pambudi, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Tanto
Kuswanto and National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemitro.
(rms/emb)
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