Reformation of ABRI

Reformation of ABRI

From Jawa Pos

Every time a criminal act or a human rights violation is committed by members of the Armed Forces (ABRI), it says that it concerns certain "individuals". ABRI has hardly ever displayed a noble spirit by admitting openly that the act was in fact ABRI's official "policy".

Various bloody cases in this country show factually that deviations do exist and that ABRI's level of morality is very low. The role of ABRI in the civilian community as protectors of gambling, prostitution, as guards of businesspeople, as debt collectors underlines the evaluation of how ABRI's morality is questionable.

In the cases of abduction and torture, for example, when the victims cry out in pain and call for God, ABRI members always react by using anti-God expressions like, "Where is your God? Why does He not come to rescue you?" or "Do not involve God. There is no God here". Or "Life and death are in the hands of God indeed, but we can take away your life." Such an attitude shows that ABRI members deny their oath.

Therefore, ABRI should reform itself totally, restoring the quality of its morals. When we were colonized by the Dutch and the Japanese, the people opposed the colonialization, not ABRI. When the G30S/PKI revolt broke out in 1965, the state relied on the people to eradicate the communist movement.

ABRI should take an honest stance, admit faults and be aware of its mistakes.

UMAR ABDUH

Jakarta