TNI and practical politics

TNI and practical politics

From Kompas

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently asked Indonesian
Military (TNI) chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto to reinstate the
Territorial Command, a move that has created a wide-ranging
debate. This matter should not have become an issue because the
territorial command has never been officially shut down; it has
continued to exist in the country.

As said by General Sutarto, Koter's role and function, which
initially concerned national defense and security, has been
extended to aid the police by providing as much information as
possible on issues pertaining to terrorist activities.

This is not contradictory to Law No. 34/2004 on defense and
national security. The system stipulates that the TNI and police
work together dealing with defense and security affairs with help
from the community.

All components of the nation, including the TNI and police are
to be held responsible for security and defense affairs.

This is fine as long as the TNI is not involved in practical
politics as it was in the past.

RIYANTO
Jakarta