Militaristic civilians?

Militaristic civilians?

From Media Indonesia

The increasing demand that the task forces of political
parties and mass organizations, which often imitate military
behavior and carry military insignias, be dissolved is welcome
news. The demand should be followed up. It is a reflection of the
reform spirit, implying an endeavor to increase law enforcement
and increase civilian rights without suppressing intergroup
interests by resorting to the well-worn approach of the New
Order, i.e. violence.

The attitude of these task forces has lately been sharply
criticized by a number of groups within the community. They are
aghast that the forces have deviated from their basic function,
which was to help safeguard the activities of political parties
and mass organizations. Now they have become instruments of
repression and coercion in fighting for the interests of their
groups.

In line with the commitment by the military to gradually phase
out its involvement on the political, social and civilian stages,
the existence of civilian task forces is contrary to the current
situation. Civilians must not be allowed to become the emotional
heirs of the role the military served during the New Order
regime, using violence to dominate everyday life. Political
parties and mass organizations which claim to be pioneers of
reform and which employ task forces should consider and
reevaluate the function and need of these groups.

Another point of consideration is the abolishment of terms
with military implications in the activities of political
parties, mass organizations, the government and the private
sector, including the use of the term posko (command post). A
more communicative term should be coined for matters related to
floods, the haj pilgrimage, committees, health services, etc.
Public service should be provided in an atmosphere that
emphasizes professionalism. It should not create an impression of
reporting to a military agency.

ARIEF RIZALDI

Jakarta