Civilian supremacy first

Civilian supremacy first

From Koran Tempo

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) has pledged to strive
for civilian supremacy in his new Cabinet, meaning the top
positions will be held by civilians rather than a policy against
the military or ex-soldiers.

The public hopes that at least certain areas should be under
civilian authority and not occupied by military men, such as the
posts of minister of defense and head of the National
Intelligence Agency (BIN).

In this way, the Indonesian Military (TNI) is put under the
Ministry of Defense and the National Police under the Ministry of
Home Affairs, whereas BIN is coordinated by the State
Secretariat.

BIN has, for a long time, been mistakenly identified by
society as a military institution. The time has now come to
restore its true image by placing a civilian official with equal
competence in intelligence affairs.

So, SBY should pay due attention to this aspect because
through civilian supremacy, Indonesia will appear as a fully
democratic country, as already reflected in its recent direct
general elections.

ANDI ABU PUNAGI
Makassar, South Sulawesi