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