Soldiers' political right

Soldiers' political right

Indonesian Defense Force (TNI) commander, Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, said he would ask soldiers not to vote for any political party during the 2004 general election. He said his call was made to prevent the military from disintegrating due to different political aspirations.

The TNI has been facing a dilemma as the soldier's right to vote and to be elected into office is mentioned in the government-sponsored bill on general election. If the House of Representatives passes the bill into a law, every political party will have the chance to fight for the vote of the military. The soldiers could become the target of political campaigns.

Gen Endriartono's concern is thus realistic as he has strong reasons.

This daily has long said that it does not support the soldier's right to vote and to be elected into office because the military should defend the country, not any political party. The military should be made free from any vested interest and political practice.

It is thus better for the House of Representatives to get rid of the soldiers' right to vote and to be elected in the bill.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta