TNI and Congress

TNI and Congress

The vast majority of people talk of what the Indonesian
Military (TNI) have likely done in a number of places like Papua,
Aceh, East Timor, Poso, the Maluku islands, Kalimantan, Binjai
and other, not so high-profile areas, but nothing is ever said of
the military that would in any way justify financial support from
the U.S. Congress.

The track record of accusations is almost endless, most of
which revolve around human rights violations, with smuggling,
drugs and other illegal business practices thrown in to complete
a pretty awful picture. Image is all-important, no matter whom
you are.

I cannot remember any positive news as regards the military
promoting democracy in a manner that is clear to see, sincere in
nature and sustainable. The comments made by Coordinating
Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono that the decision taken by Congress to withhold
military aid was "dramatic" and would damage bilateral relations
is a bit puzzling, especially when you bear in mind the many
pointing fingers.

If we look at the British-made Scorpion tanks currently in
Aceh and other foreign-made weapons being used against Indonesian
nationals, then again there is reason for caution. Loopholes can
often be found in words as written into contracts, and military
tribunals can always be manipulated from within, but "blood
money" (for that is what it could be) needs to be withheld if any
doubts exist, whatsoever.

There is another case to consider as regards TNI and the loss
of seats previously held in the corridors of power with regard to
a stranglehold on all regions of Indonesia at village and
regional level. The question is: Who holds the real power and how
will it be used?

Just as Iraqis look forward to the day when the Americans
leave their land, so ordinary Indonesians relish the thought of
TNI leaving their region. I just wonder who will be first to
understand the reasons why and pack their bags accordingly.

DAVID WALLIS, Gravesend, England