Focusing on reform process in TNI

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.