Military is pillar of clean government: Edi Sudradjat

Military is pillar of clean government: Edi Sudradjat

JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat
yesterday urged the military to support the current campaign to
establish a clean and respected government.

Because of its strong role in national affairs, the Armed
Forces (ABRI) can act as a pillar that will help uphold the
integrity of the government, Edi said in Bandung.

To answer this challenge, he said, there is no alternative for
ABRI other than to stay clean and improve its own integrity.

This means that all ABRI members, "especially those in the
leadership structure", should strive to stay honest and maintain
a high level of integrity, the retired Army general said.

The seminar, which explored the "fighting values" in Indonesia
in light of the country's 50th independence anniversary, was
organized by the Army Staff and Command College, which is based
in the West Java city, Antara reported. ABRI chief Gen. Feisal
Tanjung addressed the forum, comprising mainly top brass, on
Thursday.

Edi emphasized the need for all ABRI members to maintain the
integrity of their corps, by maintaining their professional
integrity, moral integrity and also their dedication.

This is especially important given the dual role assigned to
ABRI -- defense matters as well as in political matters.

ABRI must always strive to maintain its clean image, he said,
reminding the seminar participants of the past trials and
challenges the military has had to deal with.

ABRI's credibility will degenerate the moment it is perceived
as representing any particular group in society, he added.

The minister acknowledged that there is a popular perception
that the administration is not clean, and this is largely because
of the prevailing tendency among some members of the
administration to disregard the law.

This is one of the reasons why the current National Discipline
Movement, which begins with the smallest things such as standing
in line, maintaining cleanliness and turning up on time, is
important. "These are the beginning of making one accustomed to
discipline and eventually moving onto bigger things.

"Discipline cannot be instilled through speeches and lectures.
It grows through a habitual process. The final objective of the
current discipline campaign is to instill discipline in obeying
rules among the public," he said.

The presence of clear regulations combined with strong
discipline is one of the preconditions that must be met if
Indonesia is to achieve an honest and respected government, Edi
said.

He added however that the government is not machinery that is
"free of social interaction, emotions and temptations".

This means that while the members of the administration are
striving to stay honest, members of the public should help and
not try to corrupt them. (emb)