TNI dual function is legitimate

TNI dual function is legitimate

In some newspapers recently we read about a possible political
comeback of the Indonesian military (TNI) due to the proposed
reactivation of the military command in Aceh. Politicians,
unsympathetic to the TNI, warn the public that this is a sign
that the military is rebuilding its political power base.

Although I, as a retired soldier, don't believe in this
prediction; I cannot suppress a feeling of pride due to the fact
that the TNI is still appreciated by the public.

I am convinced that at present the TNI is still the only body
which is compact, with a clear job description and line of
command, possesses high discipline and a patriotic spirit, while
enforcing the law.

I read a statement by Kusnanto -- political analyst from the
Centre for Strategic and International Studies -- that former
president Abdurrahman Wahid was known as a leader who wanted to
see the military out of politics. But when he had the legal
opportunity and prerogative to appoint his Cabinet, he still
placed military people in very strategic places like minister of
home affairs, minister of trade and industry, minister of
communication and transportation and minister of politics and
security. Were there no civilians who could fill these jobs or
perhaps Abdurrahman did not trust civilian politicians?

The problem now is how to abolish the mistrust and suspicion
against the TNI. But again this is not to difficult to achieve.
The political parties should consolidate themselves and sincerely
fight for the welfare of the people. I have the feeling, which I
hope is incorrect, that personal ambitions are guiding the
behavior of politicians and causing them to neglect the party's
ideals. To restore trust in the military and take away fear of
rivalry within the political parties, the government and the
House of Representatives should abolish Law No 20/1982 and the
MPR decision No. IV/1978.

The dual function of the military is not a product of power
hungry officers, but a legal product designed according to
existing regulations and TNI performs the dual function because
this was considered to be an order.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta