Consolidation of ABRI's leadership

Consolidation of ABRI's leadership

The new commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command
(Kostrad), Lt. Gen. Wiranto, replaced Lt. Gen. Taroeb in what was
probably the last of a series of leadership changes in the
Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI).

It is natural to assume that a connection exists between the
reshuffling and the state of ABRI's leadership. The changes were
timed to take place not too long before the 1997 general election
and the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly,
which is scheduled to convene in 1998. Both are of high strategic
significance.

It is possible to regard the developments with suspicion.
Consolidating ABRI's leadership could reduce the amount of leeway
given for social and political action, which is needed to ensure
a free election.

However, the spirit and condition of our nation prompt us to
move forward, not backward, and reject such negative assumptions.

Does our nation's present state -- on the road of progress and
all of its implications -- permit us to adopt an authoritarian
and repressive vision and attitude?

We are confident that ABRI's leaders will recognize the signs
of the times and lead the people through persuasion.

Consolidation within ABRI should bring greater cohesion,
loyalty, self-assurance and confidence. It could also establish
the right conditions. Conditions of security and order will help
see to it that reason prevails over the emotions that are sure to
rise as the general election approaches.

-- Kompas, Jakarta