On reform in TNI

I would like to respond to the article of Ms Lesley McCulloch of July 25, which criticized my point of view about the reform process inside the Indonesian Military (TNI).

You might not have read entirely what I wrote, as I said precisely that if the number of TNI/National Police seats in the legislature had decreased in the past few years, there was still more scope for their action and pressure. I mentioned the territorial military structure and the implications of the army in the economic world and its consequences.

You have used twice the argument about "what happens behind the scenes": indeed there is some activity but I am a pragmatic observer of the situation and I don't make blind and unfounded speculations.

I base my arguments on facts. Among those facts, there is the integrity, the professionalism and the rigor of the three generals mentioned in the article. As a good analyst, you should have noticed better the ones I did not mention; you may find there, I believe, some answers. Furthermore I am not a fanatic supporter of the army, and I really start to question whether you really read what I wrote.

For the situation in Aceh, I believe that the army is not the only one to be responsible for the horror in this province. GAM (the Free Aceh Movement) must also share responsibility for the killing, blackmail and rape. May I suggest you read the most recent reports of the International Crisis Group of June 12, 2001 and June 27, 2001.

It is time to stop using a dual approach toward the Indonesian army: in reality there is no hard, precise line between good and bad. Furthermore it is dangerous to adopt an ideological approach such as yours and to systematically criticize the Indonesian Army. You could lose objectivity where you should be a pragmatic observer. Stop looking at the Indonesian Army with your occidental mentality and accept that, in Indonesia, the army has another place than the one usually accorded it in the western world.

Finally, try to moderate your wish for reform and give time a chance. You should know, just like me, that in Indonesia, time is a parameter that you have to or ought to accept: Alon-alon asal kelakon (slow but sure).

PHILIPPE RAGGI

(Philippe.raggi@ign.fr)

PARIS