After TNI has a new boss

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