Support needed to help TNI conduct reforms

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appealed on Wednesday for support for the Indonesian Military's (TNI) undertaking in conducting internal reforms and for no disruption to its efforts in producing professional soldiers.

Speaking to journalists attending a ceremony to mark the Army Strategic Reserve Command's 40th anniversary in Cijantung, East Jakarta, Susilo insisted that TNI sincerely wished to relinquish its political role and will not be seduced to make a return.

"It was the people's choice for the TNI to relinquish its political and social role, therefore please help the TNI conduct its internal reforms by not disturbing it," he remarked.

Susilo was responding to a question concerning an editorial in the Washington Post on March 2 which hinted that the new United States administration was giving some consideration to renewing once-strong U.S. ties with the Indonesian army.

The Indonesian military, the Washington Post said, would be a "decisive power broker" if, as many fear, the battle over President Abdurrahman Wahid's impeachment turned violent.

"No one can interfere in our political matters," Susilo insisted, while adding that the nation must give civil politicians an opportunity to lead the country.

Others attending the anniversary included former Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Gen. (ret.) Wiranto, the Ministry of Defense's secretary general Lt. Gen. Jhony Lumintang, former Kostrad chiefs Gen. (ret.) Wismoyo Arismunandar and Lt. Gen. Djadja Suparman, and the Jakarta Military commander Maj. Gen. Bibit Waluyo.

Separately, TNI Chief Adm. Widodo A.S. said foreign countries should show a greater understanding of the complexity of Indonesia's domestic problems.

"The people of this nation should believe that the TNI, as a state instrument, will always remain within the boundaries of the constitution and will not deviate from its authority," Widodo said after a coordinating meeting on political, social and security affairs here later on Wednesday afternoon.

Meanwhile in New York, Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab also played down the editorial piece saying that it would be impossible for Washington to back down on its own stance to support the democratization process in Indonesia.

Separately, People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais brushed aside the likelihood of military dominance in the near future, since any suggestion of a military takeover would only create further chaos in the country.

"If the TNI tries to take over the government they will have to face a fierce struggle from the people, and most of all from students as it is contrary to the reform agenda," Amien told journalists on Wednesday.

"So, it will be impossible for TNI to do such a thing," he remarked.

Former State Intelligence Coordinating Board (Bakin) chief Lt. Gen. Z.A. Maulani and military observer Salim Said also echoed Amien's statement saying that a turbulent battle would commence if the TNI tried to stage a comeback into the political arena.

"If the TNI tries to do such a thing and take over the leadership of the country, then they would have to deal with rejection from both the people and students," Maulani said.

"I don't think the international community would support such a thing."

Salim believes the TNI would not repeat the mistakes it committed during the 32 years of the New Order regime. (02/dja)