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)