Quit practical politics, Megawati tells TNI

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Celebrating its 56th anniversary on Friday, the Indonesian Military (TNI) was given a special message by President Megawati Soekarnoputri: Mission accomplished, quit politics.

Speaking at the celebration ceremony at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta, Megawati said TNI had to review its dual-function doctrine that gave TNI both defense and socio- political roles.

"As to evaluating the current TNI dual-function doctrine, the military must leave its social and political role and focus only on its professional role as the country's instrument of defense," Megawati said.

"Internal security is the responsibility of the National Police," she added.

She noted that TNI soldiers had to put their trust in political parties to articulate their political aspirations.

The President, however, did not provide a clear-cut timetable for TNI to quit politics, and said only that it should be pursued within the "near future."

Because of its socio-political role, TNI, along with the police, has been given seats in the House of Representatives (DPR) and the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

TNI and police representation in the House has actually been cut from 100 (previously) to 38 seats now but there are growing calls for the military to relinquish its political role altogether.

Furthermore, the Assembly, the country's highest legislative body, has instructed the military, through MPR Decree No. 7/2000, to leave the House in 2004 and the MPR in 2009.

The TNI dual-function doctrine, strengthened during the 32- year rule of former president Soeharto, also allows the military to intrude into civilian life through its territorial mission.

In the past, the implementation of TNI's social and political roles often entailed human rights violations.

On this occasion, Megawati told TNI soldiers to respect human rights, saying, "it is a universal principle that everyone has a right to live."

"I know that soldiers, while carrying out their duty in some troubled areas, often hesitate to take stern measures because they are afraid of violating human rights.

"This hesitation, however, is a good start, as it shows that soldiers are beginning to care about human rights."

Nevertheless, she called on the military "not to be hesitant about maintaining the country's unity."

"Each time, our unity as a nation is threatened by disintegration due to violence and fanaticism of ideology. This is the cause of our exhaustion in handling other important matters," the President said to around 7,500 military officers and infantry at the airport.

None of the three living former presidents -- Soeharto, B.J. Habibie or Abdurrahman Wahid -- attended the celebration, which was enlivened by a flypast by the Air Force's Jupiter Blue team.

Most military top brass, plus Vice President Hamzah Haz, MPR Speaker Amien Rais and DPR Speaker Akbar Tandjung were present at the ceremony.

When asked by reporters, TNI Chief Adm. Widodo A.S. avoided giving a definitive reply on whether the military would quit politics altogether.

"TNI's political role must be carried out within the framework of national unity. Should TNI be involved in political maneuvers, it must be seen as its effort to offer a solution to the country's political crisis," Widodo said.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo voiced support for TNI's withdrawal from the political arena.

"We are soldiers. As defense instruments of the state, we are responsible for guarding this country from any possible threat. That's what we should do ... nothing else," Bibit said.

Bibit said TNI had to quit politics as required by the MPR and also by the President and "should not ask the state for compensation."

Nevertheless, the President promised that the government would increase the budget for the military to improve its defense systems and modernize its weaponry, as well as to make improvements to the welfare of its personnel.

"I know that soldiers and their families are living in barracks that do not meet health standards.

"On behalf of the government, I promise to improve this situation gradually, in line with our capabilities," she said.