Outspoken generals

President Soeharto criticized a number of retired generals last month for being "inconsistent" in their views and for often voicing "ideas that oppose the spirit of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution." After such remarks, the statement made by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono the other day deserves closer observation.

In a seemingly conciliatory tone, Hartono expressed regret over statements made by some retired generals, but he promised to use their outspokenness for the better by inviting them to speak at the Army Staff and Command School (Seskoad). Gen. Hartono said the Army could not impose sanctions on the retired officers, but that it would "remind" them through individual approaches. In an attempt to improve understanding, the Army is reportedly planning to hold a meeting at Seskoad between retired and active senior military officers.

Hartono's statement is just the latest regarding outspoken generals. Earlier, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, without mentioning any names, alleged that some retired military officials were involved in the July 27 riots in the capital. Separately, Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said that some retired generals like saying one thing and doing another.

The fact is that for years the government has been upset by the growing number of retired Armed Forces officers and their tendency to criticize. The latest case to put the government on the defensive was the establishment of the National Brotherhood Foundation by a number of retired generals, including Kharis Suhud and Bambang Triantoro, along with several prominent civilian personalities. The "Petition of Concern," which they issued earlier this year, reportedly enraged the government. The most well-known grouping of critical retired officers is the Petisi 50 group chaired by Marine Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ali Sadikin, who officials once charged with plotting against the government and whom they later labeled a dissident.

One should remember, however, that most military officers retire without a fuss. One example is former Armed Forces Chief Gen. Benny Moerdani, who, since retiring three years ago, has avoided making public statements. He reportedly believes that soldiers are bound to the soldier's oath even after retirement and therefore must refrain from politicking.

Despite the small number of outspoken generals, their discordant views on state issues have found a large audience, largely due to the popularity of such figures as Gen. Sumitro and Gen. Rudini.

But why are they so outspoken? Perhaps after being relieved of their official duties certain generals have found a new freedom and now feel they can speak from their conscience. Or maybe after they retire they begin to see matters differently. Whatever the case, they have yet to overstep the line. The government has been much more tolerant then, say, a decade ago, when members of the Petisi 50 were punished and banned from traveling abroad, attending state functions and receiving loans from state banks.

Gen. Hartono's statement should be seen as another positive step towards a reconciliation between active military officers and outspoken retired generals. In this context, one should take heed of the words of Gen. Abdul Haris Nasution, the former Army chief of staff known for his outspokenness and defense of fellow retired officers. He once said that "giving criticism is part of a military officer's duty for the sake of the betterment of the country." As Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat put it, Indonesia needs constructive criticism from its retired government officials to nurture democracy.

One hopes the authorities will extend this same understanding and principle of constructive engagement with the retired generals to the civilian side, including the media and non- governmental organizations. The political turmoil of the past few months has left many suspicious of one another, something we cannot afford on our journey to greater democracy. We need to return to common sense and convince ourselves that only by coming together as a nation can we meet the challenges of the future.