Building a professional military

Our head of state is right: At a practical level, the old doctrine subscribed to by the TNI (the Indonesian military) impaired our national ideals of humanity and social justice. Now the TNI (the Indonesian military) is determined to abandon its dualistic nature known as dwifungsi (their dual function as both a social and a military force).

This means that, from now on, the TNI's duties will be limited strictly to those of defending the country. This is what will lead to the TNI becoming truly professional. It will no longer have to be concerned with political and many other problems.

One thing, however, is certain: a professional military needs sufficient funds. That is why President Megawati's promise to improve the welfare of the military must be kept.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta