Gus Dur's Cabinet keeps the military satisfied
Col. Bob Lowry, author of The Armed Forces of Indonesia and visiting fellow at the Australian Defense Force Academy in Canberra, considers President Abdurrahman Wahid's wisdom in appointing his Cabinet, as well as the challenges and potential problems lurking behind the general optimism. The following is an excerpt from the interview with The Jakarta Post.
Question: What do you think of the new Cabinet which was sworn in on Friday?
Answer: It seems politically balanced but whether it will be effective remains to be seen. Will it pull in the one direction and, if not, will the President's team be decisive in setting direction?
There are six positions held by members of the Indonesian Military (TNI). What do you think of these positions? Do you see dangerous deals or compromises?
The inclusion of so many TNI officers in the Cabinet is very clever. It keeps them in the tent. It removes a number of senior officers from command and staff positions, making a rotation in the senior ranks feasible. Wiranto is out of the way in a coordinating role with no direct command responsibilities, probably a reward for withdrawing from the vice presidential race.
The appointment of Rear Adm. Freddy Numberi shows that the government has an Irianese representative. The Romans would be proud of Wahid.
As for the appointment of Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, his talents are being tested, and it gets rid of someone whose command potential was questionable. He is a thinker and thinkers do not always make good commanders.
What about Lt. Gen. (ret) Surjadi Soedirja as home affairs minister?
He is long retired and has the experience of being regional commander and governor of Jakarta.
Nothing wrong with using retired military officers if they have proved themselves useful.
Concerning Juwono Sudarsono as defense minister -- isn't this an example of the infiltration of civilians into military affairs?
His appointment was a good move. He has the knowledge and experience to make a difference and bring the TNI kicking and screaming into the 21st century. His light was hidden under a bushel during the Soeharto era. One hopes that age has not extinguished his reformist drive.
How do you see the appointment of a mariner, Adm. Widodo Adi Soetjipto, as TNI commander? What kind of message is Gus Dur trying to convey to the Army?
The wisdom of Widodo's appointment is questionable. Much depends on who is made Kasad (Army Commander); a capable officer with reform credentials is needed as Kasad to complement Widodo. Otherwise, you might have a shadow Army command structure emerging under Widodo and subverting change. The consolation is that Widodo is nearing retirement age, so he could be retired gracefully soon if his appointment does not work out.
There is no doubt that the emphasis needs to be shifted to the Navy and Air Force in the longer term when Indonesia has the economic resources.
Meanwhile, much more can be done to use current resources for maritime sovereignty protection more effectively.
What is the biggest challenge in the dynamics of this Cabinet?
The real challenge for the short term is reform of the Army and that is why I am doubtful about the Widodo appointment.
What are the most urgent steps that should be taken now?
What is needed urgently is for TNI to sort out the militia in West Timor to allow refugee relief and repatriation. This will be the first test of the changes in TNI leadership.
They also need to reduce the Army's presence in West Timor and surrounding islands to precrisis levels as soon possible so as not to upset the delicate social balance in the area. (Dewi Anggraeni)