Gus Dur's Cabinet keeps the military satisfied
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)