Quit practical politics

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