Military told to be loyal to state

JAKARTA (JP): Major House of Representatives factions warned the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Tuesday to pledge its allegiance to the state, instead of merely serving the government's interests.

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) faction called on President Abdurrahman Wahid to retract his statement that the military should be loyal to the government, while the Golkar Party faction urged for a constitutional amendment that clearly differentiates between the president's status as head of state and head of government.

Promono Anum of the PDI Perjuangan faction said the President should retract the remarks he made in front of middle-ranked and senior Army officers in Malang, East Java on Monday, before it sparked new confusion among people.

"The statement has negative implications that the military could be used to fight for the ruler's interests. The military should no longer be exploited as a government tool as has happened in the past," he said.

He said the House should be further empowered in order to control the government, which is granted a lot of power by the constitution.

"Unfortunately, the constitution does not describe clearly the authorities of the president as head of the government and that of state and it is difficult to make a separation between the state and the government in reality," he said.

House Speaker Akbar Tandjung concurred and said all problems relating to the TNI's position and its main tasks should be described clearly in the constitution to prevent the government from misusing the military to fight its political interests.

"The Golkar Party has long since proposed an amendment to the constitution to make clear the description of the military and its position in the face of the government because the president in his capacity as supreme commander of Army, Navy and Air Force is also head of the government," he said, adding that this issue has gained attention in the ongoing discussion of amendments to the constitution.

Ali Yahya of the Golkar faction said that despite Gus Dur's position as the military's supreme commander, the President should no longer intervene in the military's internal affairs and should not misuse the military to fight his political interests, including defending his power.

"The president's authority should be limited to the appointment of the TNI commander and chiefs of Army, Navy and Air Force and their appointments should gain approval from the House of Representatives," he said.

Danial Tandjung of the United Development Party (PPP) faction said the constitution should be revised and a new law should be made to replace the out-of-date 1982 Law on Defense.

"The military's main tasks should be limited to the defense field, to maintaining the country's territory, including wars and any military emergencies at home. It should be neutral in face of mass organizations and the government," he said.