Military told to serve people

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wiranto said yesterday the military's dual role was successful only if it enabled people to channel their aspirations.

Wiranto said at the installation of Maj. Gen. Tengku Rizal Nurdin as Bukit Barisan military commander that apart from maintaining order, military members also carried the heavy burden of encouraging people to participate and take initiative in development programs.

"To reach our goals, military members must understand the rising demand and changing circumstances in places where they serve," Wiranto said.

He said military personnel could not rely on their own resources in carrying out their duties due to the vast territory and heterogeneous society they had to face.

"(One can) talk more with public figures and related administrative institutions to reach a common understanding about problems," he said.

Rizal replaced Maj. Gen. Sedaryanto who will become a legislator at the House of Representatives. Graduating from the Military Academy in 1971, Rizal occupied the Bukit Barisan military command's chief of staff post in February last year.

The command oversees Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Riau. (21)