Stop criticizing TNI

As reported by Suara Pembaruan on May 23, 2001 a meeting was held by political observers Drs. Lambang Triono MA, Prof. Dr. Ichlasul Amal MA, Hermawan Sulistyo and a member of the House of Representatives, Aberson Marie Silaholo. They warned politicians to anticipate the possible comeback of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and at the same time appealed to the TNI not to try to enter the political arena again. Civilians have an important duty to perform and that is to lead democracy in the right direction, but it is regrettable that the political elite keep fighting among themselves and forget about the existence of democracy, which knows no violence or ultimatums, and engages in dialog and tolerance.

Big names among the NGOs like Hendardi of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association, Todung Mulia Lubis of the Center for Electoral Reform, Teten Masduki of Indonesian Corruption Watch, Asmara Nababan of National Commission for Human Rights, Arbi Sanit of the University of Indonesia, Munir and Munarman of Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation issued a statement to the effect that the civilians must prevent the TNI from becoming prominent in political life and so thwart their political chances of ruling Indonesia.

But in fact there is no need to be afraid of the TNI because the Indonesian Military love Indonesia and have no intention of playing politics again. In all fairness, people should stop criticizing the TNI. Harold Crouch said that never in history have the TNI been criticized as they are now. Criticism has come even from within TNI itself, i.e. from the governor of the National Resilience Institute. He said that TNI should discard their power hungry attitude (Suara Pembaruan, Feb. 25, 2000)

Rest assured that the TNI will maintain their vow to stay away from politics, but what will happen when the political situation keeps sliding downhill because of the bickering of political parties? God only knows.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta