The security-welfare link

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