Hartono for Juwono's business proposal

BANDUNG (JP): Army chief Gen. Raden Hartono gave a positive response on Saturday to a scholar's advice that senior military officers with dim career prospects switch track to business.

"The suggestion was, in fact, a recognition that the capabilities of ABRI members are not confined to military expertise," Hartono said after closing a regular course at the Army School of Staff and Command.

He added that the Armed Forces (ABRI) would discuss the advice from Juwono Sudarsono, deputy governor of the military think- tank, the National Resilience Institute.

Last week, Juwono suggested that middle-ranking military officers consider switching track to civilian careers rather than pursuing the limited top positions available in the ABRI.

Juwono said middle-ranking officers who only have limited opportunities to get to the top should ask for early retirement and turn to business.

He expressed confidence that the officers, especially those who have joined the Armed Forces leadership courses, would be capable enough to hold medium and top management positions in the business sector.

"Many of them have better managerial skills than civilian managers," he said, adding that he has discussed the suggestion with a number of top military officers and that they agree with it.

The military's involvement in business dates back to the preindependence period, during which time the Armed Forces were forced to raise funds to feed their members and finance warfare.

However, Hartono said, in the Armed Forces, officers cannot decide to quit when they think their career has hit the ceiling.

"There is no soldier asking for a job. They are given a job. Jobs are determined by the ABRI leadership," he said.

When an agency needs an ABRI member to fill in a position, the Armed Forces leadership will not promptly agree before it studies the situation.

"ABRI will not sell out its members. I will never tell an employer 'I have this many majors available,'" he said.

According to Hartono, Juwono's suggestion is in line with ABRI's dual function doctrine, which allows its members to assume nondefense jobs.

As many as 219 officers, 12 of whom are from other countries, took part in the latest course at the army school.

Hartono said the school will continue to improve its curriculum to keep up with the changing demand.

In the future, the school will set aside more time for officers to study subjects that will broaden their knowledge on democracy. (17/pan)