Focusing on reform process in TNI

By Philippe Raggi

PARIS (JP): The problem of the policy of reform in the Indonesian armed forces (TNI) raises several questions. If the number of seats allotted to the TNI at the legislature and at the People's Consultative Assembly decreases in the coming years and if that was accepted by soldiers, it is less certain that the same can be said concerning reform of the territorial military structure and TNI's budget.

The territorial military structure, a grid covering the entire country, is a crucial element for the TNI. If this organization is to be reformed, the consequences will be incalculable for not only the TNI but for the whole country.

Fears could involve certain soldiers becoming nostalgic for the previous New Order regime; an increase in actions carried out by separatist movements and certain radical religious groupings -- especially if the TNI lost presence at the local level.

The goal of this "reform policy" lies with the hope of seeing soldiers re-enter their barracks and for them to confine themselves strictly to the business of defense. This, however, requires several elements: large financial means, however, taking into account the current economic situation this seems unrealizable; the development of professionalism (the formation of ethical and moral codes for soldiers and an increase in their required skills and techniques); an improvement of soldiers' living conditions (more regular and substantial wages, attenuated disparities, etc.). And last but not least, the question of military involvement in economic life; does the TNI have to be present in this sphere whose activity is far from the goals of its first mission of defense?

Given that the budget for the military accounts for only 25 percent of its expenditure, the TNI has turned to extra budgetary financing. Thus, by means of foundations, the army, navy and air force hold and manage -- to different degrees -- companies that make billions of rupiah, though, at the same time, helping to tarnish the morality of this institution.

If the reform policy leads to a disengagement of the TNI from the economic world, questions will remain such as: How will the TNI give up its benefits drawn from these foundations? According to what process? How will it be possible to transfer economic power and with what? Will the companies remain state-owned? Will the disengagement of soldiers from business be enough to settle corruption?

What solutions would compensate for this reform? A reduction of expenditure, how? The budget allocation would of course need to be increased but with what resources?

Given such complex criticisms, the TNI should be balanced, especially when we note the real will of the TNI to disengage itself from the political world. Note the abstention of the TNI/Polri faction at the second motion of censure, as well as at the convocation of the MPR special session.

Thus, there remains different issues to be resolved in the policy of reform in the military. But, with serious and conscientious officers such as Lt.Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, Let.Gen. Agus Widjojo, and Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, the TNI will be able to find its way.

The writer is a researcher and author of the book Indonesia, the new deal (Paris, L'Harmattan Ed.), published in November 2000.