'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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