An unusual reshuffle

An unusual reshuffle

For whatever reason, a reshuffle in the Army has taken place. A reshuffle involving high-ranking officers never stands on its own. Questions will be asked by the public, especially when the moves involve the Army. Considering the statements that have been made about the reshuffle, it is difficult to deny that something is not quite right in the Army.

Although the Indonesian Military (TNI), at the end of its recent leadership conference, declared it was dissociating itself from politics and that it was ready to abandon its sociopolitical role, reality shows it is still difficult for TNI to disengage itself from the political power struggles in the country.

TNI, indeed, has a organizational culture that is unique and unknown in other institutions. We have the impression the reshuffle this time occurred because it is the wish of TNI to put that culture above all individual and political interests.

Nevertheless, transparency concerning the recent reshuffle is necessary, especially since high-ranking officers are involved. The public should not have to speculate about the reasons for the shake-up, as that would be detrimental to the interests of the military itself.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta