Military is just a part of Indonesia's management system

BANDUNG (JP): The Indonesian military (TNI) is no longer responsible for all of the country's problems as the TNI is now just a part of the state's management system, says TNI chief Admiral Widodo.

In a written address marking the opening of the regular seven- month course at the military staff and command school (Sesko) in Bandung on Friday, Widodo said that all components of the nation were responsible for what was happening in the country, so they should set the resolution of the nation's problems as their first priority.

Widodo's address was read by the head of the military staff and command school Lt. Gen. Djadja Suparman.

According to the admiral, the country was facing a myriad of problems resulting from the rapid changes that had taken place in all walks of life. "The reform movement has increased freedom and this contributes to a more democratic life. On the other hand, certain groups of people have been exploiting the freedom for their own ends."

He cited the continuing conflicts in several parts of the country as evidence of the fanaticism possessed by the members of these groups.

The military has been the target of criticism for its failure to deal with a series of sectarian and ethnic conflicts, including the recent mayhem in Sampit, Central Kalimantan.

"All of us must deal with the conflicts properly. Letting the conflicts go unresolved will only increase unhealthy fanaticism and threaten the existence of our country," said Widodo.

Widodo also expressed his hope that military educational institutions, including Sesko, would use national issues as material for their studies. "The analyses conducted and the results of the studies could be used to formulate steps to overcome the problems."

After the ceremony, Djadja told reporters that Sesko had changed its curriculum. "The new curriculum focuses on defense and analyzing developments in social life. But the main task of the military is defense and security."

Djadja, former chief of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad), said that he planned to give the opportunity to civilians with post-graduate diplomas to participate in Sesko's regular courses. "Many people, including military observers (mostly civilians), analyze military affairs in a very, very shallow way. How can one speak about the military if one has no knowledge about the military."

He said he wanted a regulation instituted requiring military observers to have official certificates. (25/sur)