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