Increase in defense budget sparks debate

JAKARTA (JP): Legislators and observers were divided on Thursday about the government's plan to increase the security and defense budget, justified as necessary to enhance law enforcement and maintain stability.

Aberson Marle Sihaloho, an outspoken legislator of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), said there was no urgency in increasing the security allocation when most people continued to live in poverty.

"The government should focus on improving the people's social welfare instead of spending more money for defense," he said after attending the unveiling of the draft state budget at the House of Representatives.

President Abdurrahman Wahid said the increase in defense, education and social welfare sectors for the "transitional" nine- month period between April 1 and Dec. 31 was needed "for the sake of stability".

The draft entailed a more than 10 percent rise in overall defense and security expenditures, setting the budget at Rp 10.1 trillion. The budget was set at Rp 12.2 trillion in the previous fiscal year, which covered 12 months.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono previously recommended a 62 percent hike to improve the military's professionalism and independence.

Aberson countered that both the government and the Indonesian Military (TNI) had no plausible reason to propose a hike in the defense budget because the nation was not threatened by either internal or outside forces.

However, he agreed that the National Police deserved a raise in the state budget due to its main task of enforcing the law and maintaining stability at home.

"I will fight for a significant increase in the National Police's budget for the upcoming fiscal year to support the government's movement to uphold the supremacy of law. Police are not willing to work hard if they are paid badly," he said.

Deputy chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) from the National Awakening Party, Matori Abdul Djalil, said the government should pay more attention to improving the people's social welfare.

"An increase in the defense budget is necessary but the poor condition of most people is more urgent," he said.

Chairman of the House's commission on defense and military Yasril Ananta Baharuddin and chairman of the Indonesian Military faction in the House Lt. Gen. Achmad Rustandi hailed the planned hike in the defense budget, saying it would improve military professionalism.

"The defense budget should be raised as compensation for the military's exit from politics as well as to improve its professionalism," he said after the commission's meeting with the military's top brass on Thursday.

Army chief Gen. Tyasno Sudarto and Navy chief Adm. Satjipto said the military would be able to improve its professionalism without the government having to increase in the defense budget.

"Low-ranking servicemen will also be included in civil servants whose wages will be raised by the government. The hike will depend on the state's budget," said Tyasno.

Former chief of the National Police Awaloedin Djamin said the police's budget should be raised to improve their performance in enforcing the law and maintaining the stability.

"The police have been criticized for being unable to perform their best. The police should be well paid if people want them to carry out their duties in accordance with the law," Awaloedin said. (01/rms)