Kamra and ABRI's prestige

The government has finally decided to take the middle road in trying to overcome its security personnel shortage by forming a 40,000-strong people's security unit (Kamra). The government -- through Armed Forces Chief/Minister of Defense Gen. Wiranto -- had earlier expressed the intention of forming a civilian militia, which raised a wave of controversies.

Our experience over the past few months, including during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, has shown that as long as our national police in particular, and the Armed Forces (ABRI) in general, are unable as primary law enforcing agents to win the respect of the people, it will be difficult to expect the public to observe existing legal and social guidelines of conduct. This means that in the long run, enlarging the numbers of existing security personnel must be given priority so that it will no longer be necessary to resort to ad hoc measures, such as forming Kamra units.

ABRI in particular, and the law enforcing institutions in general, could strive to win back the public's respect in two ways: first, by seriously trying to show the people their commitment (to enforce law and justice) while always defending the people's interests, and second, by making ABRI an institution that is respected by all.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta