Hartono for Juwono's business proposal
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)