Govt told to support military

JAMBI: Former minister of defense Mahfud MD said the government should support the military in its efforts to improve professionalism so the military would stop meddling in political and economic affairs.

Speaking at a seminar on civil society, Mahfud said politicians played a large role in shaping the military into a professional institution.

The former minister said the military should focus on its main function of defending the country, particularly following the elimination of the military's dual function, the separation of the National Police from the military, the liquidation of the social and political affairs agencies in the central government and in the regions and the repeal of the permission given to military officers to work in civilian institutions.

"We don't want to experience military dominance in this country just because the civilian politicians fail to fulfill their political roles in running this country. Therefore, the civil-military relationship should be maintained and nurtured," Mahfud said. -- Antara