Politicians' seek TNI favors

Politicians' seek TNI favors

YOGYAKARTA: Many politicians still try to seek the favors of
the Indonesian Military (TNI) despite the TNI's determination to
totally abandon its socio-political role, Central Java Military
Commander Maj. Gen. Sumarsono said in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

"The reforms do not only deal with changes in structures, but
also changes in culture in line with the new paradigm.
Unfortunately, the cultural change will need a long time to bring
about," Sumarsono said, as quoted by Antara.

The efforts to influence the TNI could be seen from the many
party functionaries who frequently sought the advice of TNI
officers before holding their events, including the election of
their party chairmen, he said.

In the era of transition, the TNI was still considered as
being the only institution which was capable of settling problems
in society, he said.

"I myself in my capacity as the commander of the Central Java
Military Command have been frequently consulted by party leaders
or the heads of other organizations. What I can say is that there
is no need to consult me any longer, Sumarsono said, adding that
it was time to change the nation's culture into one of
egalitarianism and democracy. -- Antara