Civilians can be national leaders

From DR

There is great weakness in Juwono Sudarsono's view about the preparedness of civilians to assume national leadership.

We are in the globalization era when intellectual capabilities should aptly be valued on a level with somebody's political abilities. Especially so if both qualities are found in one person. Consider B.J. Habibie or Siswono Yudohusodo. Are they less qualified for national leadership compared to the military?

If the criterion is only the acceptance by the military, I see that as the practice of the Armed Forces-civilian dichotomy. Especially if the requirements veer on legitimation of experiences. This is a denial of the existence of universal human rights, and is contrary to the values of Pancasila and the Constitution.

I was really amazed at Juwono's statement laden with such a political message. To our knowledge, he used to be a critical observer of some weight before he entered the circle of power and the bureaucracy.

Is Juwono only trying to attract the attention of the people who are so engrossed in their enjoyment of the current economic upheavals? Heaven knows.

It is clearly time to return the role of the Armed Forces to the real ideals of the Armed Forces' dual function as initially conceived by Gen. (ret.) A.H. Nasution.

Increasingly sharp global competition now demands a more dominant and independent role of civilians. The role of civilians should not merely be measured by discipline in the military way. Now there is no longer world political and ideological competition. There is only economic competition.

Therefore, Siswono's pointer to the limitation of a presidential term in the post-Soeharto era should be considered at an early state. When will this limitation take effect if we still uphold the culture of ewuh pakewuh -- a reluctance to act against someone of higher status -- and have not got the guts to start? What is needed is the courage to begin and the will to be in command.

HANS WIDHYA ANANTA

Jakarta