ABRI's stance

ABRI's stance

A gratifying statement was made by the Chief Commander of the
Armed Forces, Gen. Feisal Tanjung. Under the political system of
Pancasila Democracy, the commander said, the Armed Forces (ABRI)
should take the stance that all political players are friends.
"In this context differences in political opinion and perception
are possible so long as they fit within the framework of
Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution," he said.

This clarification is interesting because -- as the chief
commander admits -- the stereotyped belief has it that it would
be difficult for ABRI to act democratically. Perhaps such an
impression exists because ABRI is being seen only from the point
of view of its defense and security function. ABRI's dual-
function doctrine, however, clearly outlines its social and
political function, which is to perform side by side with other
social-political organizations.

This clarification of ABRI's role has in fact been stated
several times before by the Supreme Commander of the Armed
Forces, President Soeharto. On a number of occasions the
President emphasized the importance of ABRI's role in paving the
way for the democratization process in this country.

In this context the statement which the chief commander made
is merely a reaffirmation of the message which the President has
already repeatedly stated and of the principle that have since
long been contained in the dual-function doctrine. In the present
context such a reaffirmation acquires added importance because it
reiterates that ABRI is not an institution which is inclined to
preserve the status quo and is allergic to change.

-- Republika, Jakarta