Govt split over military service

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