Reshuffle for reform? 'More likely for elite consolidation'

Reshuffle for reform? 'More likely for elite consolidation'

Will there be more reform in the Indonesian Military (TNI)
following Monday's reshuffle? The Jakarta Post spoke to Kusnanto
Anggoro, who studies security issues at the Center for Strategic
International Studies. An excerpt from the interview follows:

Question: The reformist force in TNI seems to have won the
President's favor through the installment of Maj. Gen. Agus
Wirahadikusumah as commander of the Army Strategic Reserves
Command (Kostrad). Do you see more chances for reform in the near
future?

Answer: This measure should indeed be appreciated but its
significance depends on what it is for. It is surely the second
most significant step since November (the reshuffle in which Gen.
Wiranto as TNI commander was replaced by Adm. Widodo A.S.);
others are that Wiranto (former coordinating minister for
political affairs and security) now has no more ties to military
headquarters and will enter retirement.

But how to push internal reform is still a big question.

For Agus this may be a big promotion but it would be more
strategic to have him apply his ideas on the territorial doctrine
affecting civil military relations as a regional commander. He
has advocated the setting up of military commands only in remote
areas. What would he do in the new post?

So this measure is full of symbols; it's good for (President
Abdurrahman Wahid) Gus Dur, he's nearer to officers perceived as
more loyal to him, he's safer now, what with statements from
Cilangkap (military headquarters) which were supportive of him.
Another symbol is that Agus' promotion is a slap to Wiranto.

However, the latest reshuffle also contains compromises
instead of measures toward reform, which is defined as civilian
supremacy and the removal of the territorial doctrine. (Former
Army Strategic Reserves commander) Lt. Gen. Djaja Suparman
(considered Wiranto's ally) has only been transferred to the army
staff command school.

So the measures are mainly consolidation by Gus Dur; it's
"yes" for Gus Dur's supremacy and "no" for (meaningful steps) in
civil military relations.

What compensation do you see likely for TNI for their lost
powers? Adm. Widodo suggested retaining seats in the People's
Consultative Assembly after TNI quits the legislative body in
2004.

I think the Assembly seats would be granted, after all Gus Dur
has never been explicit about TNI reforms. Maybe we should accept
that TNI should be entitled to vote and be voted for once they're
out of the legislative body. Like in Germany and the United
States, they no longer serve in the armed forces if they're
appointed (to a civilian post) ...

Further compensation would likely be a reallocation in the
military budget aimed at better welfare. The request for 22 ships
for the navy may also be granted.

What measures would be feasible within TNI for further reform?

Ask Gen. Agus Wirahadikusumah, supposedly the most reformist
officer, when TNI will get out of politics. He once said, "when
civilians are ready"; so things are still like that. In some way
they will still find a way to play a role in the political and
social spheres.

Do you see Gus Dur as still largely going it alone regarding
changes in TNI?

He's starting to be too much. Democratization cannot rely on
him alone ... his "adhoc-ism" or "so-what-ism" (biarinisme); his
main concern now is consolidating power. We need
institutionalized practices (leading to major decisions). Those
being promoted may be good but are actually weak in the eyes of
Cilangkap.

Gus Dur might be good now but we can't say what will happen
next week. Article 10 of the 1945 Constitution says the president
has the highest authority in the armed forces; that's very nice
for him but the authority is crucial when TNI is now at a low
point.

How do you see the response toward reform within TNI?

More responses are coming from majors downwards. Less can be
seen from older officers, lieutenant colonels upwards, who might
still hope for a return to security if they were to toe the line.
(anr)