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