Army to relaunch campaign to instill better discipline

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Army will relaunch the National Discipline Campaign tomorrow in an attempt to instill better discipline.

"We launched the National Discipline Campaign two years ago. But our people's discipline has not shown any improvement," Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto told Jakarta-based military correspondents at the Army headquarters.

The nationwide Discipline Campaign was launched by President Soeharto on May 20, 1995.

The campaign attempts to instill discipline in everyday actions, such as the correct use of language, obedience to traffic regulations, proper disposal of litter, queuing and punctuality.

Wiranto said tomorrow's ceremony in Jakarta would be highlighted by the induction of 100,000 campaign volunteers throughout the country.

Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Robik Mukav said the ceremony would be held at the Senayan East Parking Lot where 20,000 youths would be installed as volunteers.

Wiranto said discipline was a key to Indonesia facing the challenges of global competition.

"Only with strong discipline will Indonesia be able to reduce internal problems, so we can concentrate our energy on global competition," he said.

"Businessman Eddy Tansil escaped from prison because on-duty prison guards were not disciplined," he said.

"How could they give Tansil a two-day vacation outside the prison?" he asked, referring to the escape of the Golden Key Group owner who fled from jail in May.

Tansil was sentenced to 20-years in jail for corruption in the Rp 1.3 trillion (US$456.1 million) case involving the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia. Tansil is still at large and believed to have fled the country.

Wiranto blamed yesterday state problems as evolving from people's undisciplinary actions.

He said the key to discipline was the enforcement of strict penalties. But in practice it was often not easy to apply.

"It takes time for us (the government) to implement such strong punishment," he said.

He noted a decree in the Jakarta administration which stipulates a Rp 50,000 (US$17.5) fine for littering.

"It's still difficult because we don't have enough apparatus to enforce the implementation," he said.

Wiranto challenged government officials to appropriately award those who contribute to national discipline.

"Governors always race to give millions in bonuses to their athletes for winning gold medals in the four-yearly National Sports Tournament.

"But what do they give to people who help make the discipline drive a success?" he asked.

Wiranto said persuasion and role models would be used to promote the discipline campaign.

Asked whether the discipline drive would also scrutinize high- ranking government officials, Wiranto said it would not be possible for the Army to do that.

"We (the Army) will delegate the authority to higher officials -- the Armed Forces chief, the coordinating minister for political affairs and security or the President," he said.

Wiranto neglected to mention the disciplinary measures against widespread corruption and colluding practices. (imn)