TNI and civilian achievements

TNI and civilian achievements

Dr. Kusnanto Anggoro, a military observer from the Centre for
Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) observed that the
reformation in the Indonesian Military (TNI) is moving at a
snail's pace. TNI is only transferring members to different
positions. He does not see this is too important and does not
touch the core of the problem of reform.

There is a proverb in the Indonesian, saying that there are
people who can see insects on the other side of the river, but
not an elephant in their own eye (freely translated). This means
that you can easily detect mistakes and shortcomings of others,
but fail to notice your own (much bigger) mistakes.

For the sake of simplicity, although perhaps not too accurate,
let us divide the nation into two parts, the civilians and the
military. Both parts are seriously taking part in the reform
program, spearheaded by the courageous students. It was the
students who succeeded in bringing down the New Order and
announcing the birth of the reform era. Let us now compare what
the civilian community has achieved and what the military has
accomplished.

Gen. Wiranto said that the military is not only playing along
in this reform era, but is part and parcel of it. This is
considered the basic stand of the military. They are trying very
hard to achieve their goal by bringing far reaching reforms in
their organization. The army chief of staff said in Surakarta
that people should not even try to bring the TNI back in the
political arena. Going back to the barracks is our basic policy
and that is not negotiable. A similar decision reached after the
latest commanders call was officially announced by the commander
in chief of TNI and reported to the President in his position as
the Supreme Commander in Chief of the Indonesian Military.

So TNI has made a 180 degree turn and is very serious in
implementing it. Although not much has been achieved so far, at
least mentally the whole TNI is on the same wavelength and they
are very serious about it.

Now let us see objectively and honestly, without any bad
sentiments what the civilians have achieved so far in the reform
era. The loudest cry in this reform era is about the elimination
of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) and the restoration
of the supremacy of law.

Corruption is as rampant as before, new cases are emerging
while the old cases are still under investigation. While Baligate
is unfinished, we now are confronted with Bulogate and possible
connection with high officials.

The relationship between the Governor of the Central Bank and
the President is still on everybody's mind and it is confusing
the economic markets as well, with the result that the value of
our rupiah is steadily falling.

What have we achieved in the law reform period in this
civilian sector. We read of violent actions against criminals,
disregard for the principle of presumption of innocence.
Suspected criminals are caught by crowds who take law in their
own hands and torture the victim and most of the time it ends
with the burning of the victim alive. It's barbarian, and we
should be ashamed.

So in short, what has the civilian community achieved so far
in this reform era? The answer is self-explanatory.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta