Maj. Gen. Agus apologizes for military's past mistakes
Maj. Gen. Agus apologizes for military's past mistakes
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Wirabuana Military Commander
Maj. Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah apologized here on Wednesday for
past human rights abuses by Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel.
"I would like to apologize for past military violence and I
call on the people to stop condemning the military," he told a
gathering of local community leaders.
"Give me a chance to restore our image and, if necessary,
troops who are used to the practices of the past regime will have
to be brainwashed," Agus, who's name has been in the media lately
for his progressive thinking, said.
Known as one of the military's outstanding intellectuals, Agus
said he was endeavoring to breed new Indonesian soldiers with a
greater respect for human rights.
TNI's reputation has been at its nadir following a slew of
discoveries and allegations of past human rights abuses.
Agus, 48, asserted that as a commander it was his duty to take
responsibility for the actions of his subordinates.
"In the armed forces the one who should be held responsible
for the actions of his soldiers is the commander. Therefore I am
willing to apologize and admit the mistakes of the past for the
sake of the nation," he said.
Agus has recently voiced several proposals which provoked a
strong reaction from his colleagues.
Earlier this month he suggested the number of regional
military commands be slashed.
TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sudrajat rebuffed this suggestion,
saying the military was considering establishing six additional
regional commands. TNI Commander Adm. Widodo also brushed aside
the suggestion, saying Agus had spoken in his personal capacity.
Agus then became embroiled in a spat with the chief of the
Army's Strategic Reserve Command, Lt. Gen. Djadja Suparman.
Djadja, a former Jakarta Military commander, warned the
continuing humiliation of Army generals by accusing them of human
rights abuses could spark the ire of their soldiers.
Agus replied by saying: "TNI soldiers do not serve their
generals, but TNI as an institution and the state." (30/byg)