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