Army backs majority in Islamic law clause

Army backs majority in Islamic law clause

Tiarma Siboro and P.J. Leo, The Jakarta Post, Cilacap, Central Java

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto warned on Thursday that certain elements within the nation should not force their demand to insert the implementation of syariah (Islamic Law) within the 1945 Constitution.

Speaking in Cilacap on the sidelines of the inauguration of 130 new personnel in the Army's Special Force (Kopassus), Endriartono warned groups not to force the insertion of the Jakarta Charter, accommodating the implementation of syariah, in the planned amendment of the 1945 Constitution that will be discussed at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) annual session.

"We urge all parties to accept a nationwide agreement that resulted from majority support (to maintain the 1945 Constitution) at the very birth of this nation.

"Once again, in that matter (Islamic Law) we have to refer to the majority stance of this country. If all elements of this nation view the Jakarta Charter as inappropriate for insertion into the 1945 Constitution, due to the fact that our nation consists of various religions and ethnic backgrounds, then, as long as the people stick to that united stance, no groups or elements can force their will to insert it into the Constitution," the four-star general said.

During a coordination meeting on political and security affairs on Tuesday, the government warned of possible security disturbances due to several strategic issues scheduled for discussion at the annual session, including amendment of the 1945 Constitution.

Muslim activists grouped under the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the Association of Indonesian Muslim Workers (PPMI) and the Hizbollah Front staged a protest outside the MPR building on Thursday, demanding the implementation of syariah during the session.

Asked whether the Army would provide extra security to prevent any disturbances, Endriartono said that the military "is always ready to secure the nation's agenda".

"But, again, I want to say that such security disturbances will only add to this country's already complex problems and make it more difficult for all of us to overcome the crisis," he remarked.

Regarding the military's position on debate surrounding the Jakarta Charter, Endriartono said that the Indonesian Military (TNI) is part of the nation and that "the TNI will support an agreement which is upheld by the majority of the nation" in defending the 1945 Constitution.

He further said that if the decision (to maintain the 1945 Constitution) was supported by a majority, there would be no more friction within the country.

In Cilacap, Endriartono also witnessed the inauguration of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Chief Lt. Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu as an honorary member of Kopassus. Also attending the ceremony was Kopassus Commander Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaeni and Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo.