Military relaxes role in reform era

Military relaxes role in reform era

The hypocrisy of Indonesian politics is often more than
overwhelming.

Political figures, party leaders and legislators, for
instance, are now claiming that the military faction will be
removed from the House of Representatives by 2004.

But on the other hand, they all accept the notion of retired
generals joining the ranks of their own political parties.

What has amazed me was Megawati's move to reward Aa Tarmana,
claiming he was an example for other Indonesian regents.

The West Java administration budget, meanwhile, contains an
increase in routine expenditure, close to 65 percent of the total
budget allocation. At the same time, however, the development
expenditure is decreased to a mere 35 percent.

As for the part of the budget allocated toward alleviating
poverty, I don't dare to tell you how much it is -- of course,
travel expenditure in the budget for the West Java officials has
been increased.

That must be the kind of example Megawati needed to reward.
She is lucky most Indonesian people are not too politically aware
-- or she would not stand a chance in the next elections.

The number of retired military officers holding key positions
in the West Java administration is also incredible.

Actually, this issue is far more important than the number of
military personnel within legislative bodies.

However, and perhaps not surprisingly, this is also one of
many issues untouched by this so-called anticorruption and
procivil society government.

Even if by the year 2004 there are no more military
legislators, members of the military brass will still be able to
hold key positions in all areas. This is something that must be
challenged in the name of democracy, if nothing else.

If all political leaders -- including my friend Tosari Widjaya
of the United Development Party -- could agree on this, then the
military would have lost the power stolen from society a long
time ago.

That said, I still have many friends in the military, and I do
not seek to include all members of the military in the same dirty
bag.

YVAN MAGAIN

Tubize, Belgium