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Sat, 12 Apr 1997

JP/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)