TNI in the Cabinet
TNI in the Cabinet
From Rakyat Merdeka
With reference to a report in a daily in the capital on Oct. 27, 1999, in which it was said that the Action Front of Students for Reform and Democracy (Famred) does not feel happy about the presence of a number of military officers in the present Cabinet, I, a student, wish to counter this statement.
President Abdurrahman Wahid has formed his Cabinet not with his own free will because he has discussed the personnel to be included in his Cabinet with the House of Representatives. Famred should not speak on behalf of all Indonesian students and think negatively of the line-up of the new Cabinet.
As a student group, Famred should have a high sense of reasoning and intellectuality and should refrain from demonstrating emotion and negative thinking in responding to a national problem. I wonder what contribution Famred wishes to give to this nation, now still squeezed by a deep crisis? It seems that Famred is very fond of opening up a front and prefers to see community members engaged in conflicts. This attitude will not lead to peace among community members. Instead, it will only cause fresh wounds to the Indonesian people.
Please do not think negatively of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and consider TNI as a stepchild of the nation. TNI is the nation's own flesh and blood. It has the same rights and obligations as the rest of Indonesia's citizens. When they decide to enter the military, TNI members sign a contract to give up their lives for the sake of the country and the nation. TNI will never choose easy and nice positions and will never be selfish. TNI always prioritizes sacrifices and dedication for the unity and survival of the state and the nation.
As a student, I hope that Famred will not hurriedly pass a verdict on the new Cabinet, especially by taking to the streets to exert pressure through demos. Give this Cabinet a chance to work together and create a peaceful situation so that success will be reached. It takes time and patience on the part of all national components to score successes.
FAUZAN AHMAD
Jakarta