ABRI's sociopolitical role should be regulated: Analyst

ABRI's sociopolitical role should be regulated: Analyst

JAKARTA (JP): A military observer suggested yesterday that the
Armed Forces' (ABRI) controversial sociopolitical role be
regulated in a decree of the People's Consultative Assembly, the
country's highest law-making body.

Addressing a seminar on the ruling Golkar's existence in the
reform era, Harsudiono Hartas said the regulation would serve as
proof that sovereignty lies with the people.

"We cannot let any state policies, including ABRI's
sociopolitical role, be decided by only one or a few elements in
society," he said.

Harsudiono, a former chief of ABRI's influential
sociopolitical affairs department, said such a decision must be
made by the people and be regulated through a People's
Consultative Assembly decree.

"ABRI cannot forward its own wish anymore as the decision will
rest with the people," he said.

Speaking about the Armed Forces dual sociopolitical and
security role, he said it should also be reviewed in accordance
with the reform spirit.

"ABRI should not meddle in the selection of personnel in the
executive and legislative bodies," he said, "Let the people
handle it."

The Armed Forces headquarters has maintained its
sociopolitical and security roles despite widespread criticism of
ABRI personnel holding positions in both the executive and
legislative bodies.

Many ABRI members hold strategic government positions as
Cabinet ministers, governors, regents and mayors.

Armed Forces personnel, who do not vote in general elections,
are currently allocated 75 seats in the House of Representatives
and another 38 seats in the People's Consultative Assembly.

Harsudiono said the Assembly decree should also regulate the
proper mechanism for the transfer and promotion of Armed Forces
personnel.

"Transfer and promotion of ABRI personnel should now be
decided upon at the House's recommendation.

"It can no longer be decided by several people in the Armed
Forces headquarters," he said. (imn)