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