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)