Hopes about TNI

Hopes about TNI

It cannot be denied that the Indonesian Military' (TNI's) dwifungsi (dual function) has traumatized people in our society and aroused the antipathy of many. Those people resent the fact that so many strategic positions in our society are occupied by members of the military and police, whose actual job is to protect the country's security.

In order to put the TNI's position back in proportion, its entire leadership should now be giving its full attention to implementing the Armed Forces' program of reorganization and repositioning so as to turn TNI into a truly professional defense force for the country.

TNI should return to its original function, which was to defend Indonesia in the case of attack by a foreign enemy. This is the main reason why it is needed.

Naturally, we all long to have an armed forces that is truly professional, strong, self-sufficient and modern to defend this unitary republic and so that it can be on a par with other countries in the world. Our people are obviously fully willing to lend their support to such an effort, provided that they get the protection that they deserve.

Slowly but surely, TNI must develop into a politically neutral organization that stays out of civilian affairs, unlike in the past. This is the most important point TNI must keep in mind as a new Indonesia is about to emerge -- an Indonesia which, hopefully, will be free of fear and insecurity.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta