Maintaining stability

Maintaining stability

President Soeharto asks the Armed Forces to continue their function as an agent of stability and as an inspiration for the next 25 years, as they have done so to date. As an agent of stability, the Armed Forces should be able to create a climate conducive to the true functioning of all state institutions in the center of power and regions according to their respective missions.

President Soeharto is apparently trying to eliminate the wrong impression and interpretation about the dual function of the Armed Forces. In fact, constitutionally, the issue of the dual function is not to be disputed.

The President is correct in that an integrated effort between the Armed forces and other institutions is crucial in maintaining stability and in narrowing the social gap, by doing away with repressive measures, and in resorting to preventive approaches so as to ensure the integrity of the Armed Forces and the society's esteem.

-- Suara Karya, Jakarta