Retired generals urge valuation of dual role
Retired generals urge valuation of dual role
BANDUNG (JP): Two prominent retired Army generals suggested
yesterday that the Armed Forces (ABRI) evaluate its "dual-role"
doctrine in order to accommodate contemporary social and
political developments.
Solichin G.P. and Surono, three-star and four-star generals,
agreed that ABRI's non-military role should be eliminated now
that Indonesia is no longer in an emergency state.
The two spoke to the press before the opening last night of
the first reunion for 1951-1961 graduates of the Army Staff and
Command School.
Solichin, formerly secretary for the control of state
development programs, pointed at a number of government
positions, such as governors, which should now be handed over to
qualified civilians.
He cited a 1953 law on the state's emergency status which
stipulates that a region is led by a civilian with the help of
local military leaders.
The Armed Forces' dual-role doctrine, known as the dwi-fungsi,
allows military officers to hold non-military and political
roles.
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono, who opened the event last
night, agreed.
"The Armed Forces' dual-role doctrine is routinely evaluated
every five years. It could be revoked if considered irrelevant,"
he said.
The event was "star-studded". Present last night were former
chief of the state intelligence agency Gen. (ret) Yoga Sugama,
two former army chiefs of staff Gen. (ret) Makmun Murod and Gen.
(ret) Poniman, former house speaker Lt. Gen. (ret) Kharis Suhud,
and former Jakarta governor Lt. Gen. (ret) Tjokropranolo.
Also present at the ceremony were West Java Governor H.M.
Nuriana, Chief of the West Java Regional Military Command Maj.
Gen. Tayo Tarmadi and Chief of the West Java Police Maj. Gen.
Nana Permana.
The reunion was attended by some 200 of the 439 graduates of
the college's 1951-1961 classes. Those who missed the reunion
included President Soeharto, former vice president Umar
Wirahadikusumah, House Speaker Wahono, and former chief of the
state internal security agency Gen. (ret) Soemitro. (imn)