Knowing soldiers' plight urged
JAKARTA (JP): Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri defended criticism of the Indonesian Military's (TNI) performance saying people should take into account that many soldiers earn less than street bakso (meat ball) vendors.
Kiki pointed out that it was sometimes difficult for TNI commanders to discipline soldiers because they were not able to help them improve their poor living conditions.
"The monthly salary of a private, for instance, is much lower than the revenue of a street bakso seller," he told journalists here on Saturday after presiding over a commemoration to mark the 43rd anniversary of the Udayana Military Command, which oversees Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and East Nusa Tenggara.
Head of the United Nations Peace Keeping Operation in East Timor Lt. Gen. Jaime de Los Santos was also present at the ceremony.
It widely known that many soldiers have to find extra jobs, even during working hours, in order to earn additional income to support their families.
No less than Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono himself acknowledged that these shortcomings sometimes lead soldiers to engage in acts which violate the law.
Kiki argued that the economic hardships could be particularly difficult for soldiers, who, because of their profession, are put in an unenviable paradox.
"It is difficult for TNI leaders to enforce military discipline. Because, on one side a soldier must be loyal and disciplined, but on the other he must seek extra income outside his office," he said
Kiki also conceded that this sometimes led soldiers to seek money by violating the laws and principles which they have been sworn to protect.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the number of soldiers who commit crimes to augment their income was lower than those who work legally.
Kiki also candidly admitted that the negative perceptions and attitudes held by some soldiers were an historical legacy as a result of the privileges and facilities the military received during former president Soeharto's 32-year rule.
He said such habits badly tarnished soldiers' mentality.
"Such treatment turned them into spoiled soldiers, and it is not easy to enforce discipline on them," said Kiki.
Last week Juwono said it was difficult for TNI and the National Police to meet even minimum standards due to the insufficient funds allocated to them.
Juwono pointed out that the Rp 10.9 trillion (US$1.3 billion) fund provided in the 2000 state budget was only able to meet 25 percent of the minimum costs needed for TNI and the National Police's operational costs. (prb)