Back into politics?

Back into politics?

The Indonesian Military (TNI) is once again issuing strong statements. This time it is aimed at those who intend to bring down the lawful government, for instance by calling a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Such a statement was made recently by the Army's chief of staff Gen. Tyasno Sudarto.

Speculation has been rife in recent days that (MPR Speaker) Amien Rais and (House of Representatives Speaker) Akbar Tanjung are quietly working toward turning the upcoming regular session of the MPR into a special session for the purpose of impeaching President Abdurrahman Wahid. Both Amien and Akbar have denied such plans, though both remain critical of Abdurrahman -- which is entirely acceptable in a democracy.

The most interesting aspect in the polemic, however, is TNI's going back to issuing political statements. Statements such as that (plotting) a special session of the MPR is unconstitutional and TNI's determination to oppose any effort to bring down the legitimate government are clearly strongly politically charged.

Such statements would obviously lead people to ask whether TNI at present is truly neutral or whether it has gone back to serving as a prop for those in power.

-- Republika, Jakarta