TNI likened to Kumbokarno

TNI likened to Kumbokarno

From Rakyat Merdeka

I read with interest the editorial of Rakyat Merdeka on Feb. 24, 2001 which likens the Indonesian Military (TNI) to the knight Kumbokarno in the Ramayana epic. Frankly, I couldn't help laughing imagining the military like Kumbokarno, who chose to flee to the forest and sleep there in order to be free from having to be responsible for the sins and ruthlessness of his king.

Our military is truly acting like Kumbokarno. Although Kumbokarno is a giant, he is loving and defends the truth. Kumbokarno always advised the king to follow the right path, but the king remained stubborn and unyielding.

Kumbokarno, however, did not want to rebel against the king, so he went to sleep. When he awoke, the country was in danger of disintegration because of all the conflicts. He then stood up, not in defense of the king but for the country.

I think the TNI is just like Kumbokarno. It is keeping quiet but is watching the politicians. It is also watching how the non- governmental organizations are undermining national sovereignty. The military will rise when the politicians fail to deal with the domestic conflicts constitutionally. I hope the people would appreciate the military when the nation needs its help. Indonesia is too important to be left only to the politicians.

ABDUL HALIM MUNSI

Bekasi, West Java