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