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