After TNI has a new boss

This week, we probably will have a new TNI (The Indonesian Military) chief. Last week, the House of Representatives Commission I interviewed and studied the resume of the sole candidate to head TNI, namely, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto.

The next question is what can be done by the new commander?

Endriartono Sutarto has a reputation. During the administration of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, he had shown the ability to defy the commander-in-chief, by not submitting to what the military perceived as merely political interests by the president.

However, just showing such an act is not enough. Many challenges in this era need to be dealt with by the military to work for fundamental changes. To carry out the change, vision is needed. So far, Endriartono has yet to demonstrate his vision strictly.

The Ambon case is only one of many issues that will test the professionalism of the military.

The involvement of some military members in the murder of Theys Hiyo Eluay in Irian Jaya is another case tarnishing the Indonesian Military, not to mention other matters which are also highly related to the military role. Fish theft, illegal logging and smuggling clearly require a serious and professional attitude by the Indonesian Military.

Can Endriartono answer the challenges? Yes, he can, as long as he continues to act openly and even actively look for outside input.

-- Republika, Jakarta