The security-welfare link

Sound and dynamic stability in this country is achieved not just by following the security approach, but also by welfare- oriented means. This statement was made by the Head of Social and Political Affairs of the Armed Forces (Kasospol ABRI), Lt. Gen. R. Hartono, in written remarks read by the Brawijaya Military Commander, Maj. Gen. Haris Sudarno at a national public relations convention in Surabaya on Sunday.

The ABRI Head of Social and Political Affairs said, and we agree with him, that the success of the current development efforts are very much determined by a combined and mutually supporting security and welfare approach.

It cannot be denied that stable security conditions are a precondition for the effective execution of this welfare approach as well as of development. Neither can it be denied, however, that welfare is in many cases a precondition for stable security conditions because the absence of it often leads to disturbances which in turn induce acts that can upset the security. The kind of welfare that we have in mind here concerns not only the economy but also other elements, such as the social, cultural and spiritual aspects of life.

It must be admitted that it is neither easy nor simple to execute both approaches simultaneously in a mutually assisting manner. No general rule exists that can be applied at any given time or in any given place. Each situation and condition must be examined on a case by case basis. What is clear, however, is that any inclination to favor, for instance, the security approach should be thoroughly explored and balanced against the welfare- oriented interests.

-- Suara Pembaruan, Jakarta