Govt split over military service

JAKARTA: Minister of National Education Abdul Malik Fajar rejected on Monday a plan to require senior high school graduates to undergo compulsory military service.

Malik said there was no urgency in implementing the program, which has been adopted by several Southeast Asian neighbors.

Commenting on the draft bill on compulsory military service prepared by the Ministry of Defense, Malik said there were many ways to promote nationalism other than through military service.

"At present I don't think it's necessary, because there are many other activities that students can participate in to boost their nationalism," the minister said.

Malik said such a program was applicable when the state was at war or facing a specific threat.--JP