Quit practical politics

The Jakarta Post of Oct. 6 reported the appeal of the President to the Indonesian Military (TNI) to quit practical politics, abandon its social and political role, and focus only on its professional role as the country's instrument of defense. To be honest, I am rather surprised that our President made this appeal now while in fact the TNI has already left practical politics.

The dual function of the TNI gives the military the power that the civilians want so dearly. But it should be clearly understood that the dual function is based on law and is 100 percent legal.

But, again, to be honest, I still doubt whether the politicians really want the military to completely withdraw from practical politics at present, realizing that civilians are still weak and the fighting among them for political hegemony is still fierce, which could cause the country to fall into a shambles.

Proof that civilians feel that they are not yet ready to totally get rid of the TNI is obvious by, among other things, the appointment of TNI officers in the former Cabinet of president Abdurrahman Wahid. Some strategic positions then given to the military were coordinating minister for political and security affairs, minister of home affairs, minister of communication and transportation, minister of trade and industry.

Why did the former president do this, while the cry of anti- TNI was very strong?

Given all the aforementioned facts I would like to appeal to all political leaders to trust the loyalty of the Indonesian Military to this beloved country and government and stop bickering among yourselves and concentrate on finding the best solution to various problems facing the nation.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta