The National Unity Cabinet

The National Unity Cabinet

From Media Indonesia

It is interesting to note the appointment of Juwono Sudarsono as Minister of Defense and Naval Admiral Widodo AS as Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander in the National Unity Cabinet.

It is the first time that a civilian occupies the post of defense minister. Juwono is an expert on international relations. The hope placed on his shoulders is that in future defense and security matters connected with Indonesia's interest can be seen, studied and assessed through more comprehensive approaches. Conventional issues developing with nonconventional ones, with implications of defense and security matters, will possibly be managed in greater depth and will no longer emphasize the aspect of a military approach only. The combined application of policy strategies based on the latest development of security matters -- both domestic and regional -- between civilian and military thinking, has become important to be put forward.

Likewise the post of TNI Commander held by Navy Admiral Widodo AS is a first-time assignment for a non-Army high-ranked officer. The choice of Widodo at least reflects the synchronization of the President's wish to prioritize the management of Indonesia's marine potential in order to yield greater benefits for the nation's prosperity. It also applies to the development of marine defense capabilities, which according to the President did not receive sufficient attention previously.

People are hoping and praying for the National Unity Cabinet's success in bringing the Indonesian nation to a state free from the afflictions of the present difficulties, and to one where it will be able to restore the country's dignity so that it will be respected and taken into account in the international world.

ARIEF RIZALDI

Jakarta