TNI to shun elections despite right

TNI to shun elections despite right

To celebrate its 58th anniversary, which falls on Oct. 5, the
Indonesian Military (TNI) has picked "Make the general election a
success" as the commemoration's theme. The following is an
excerpt of the question and answer session with TNI Commander
Gen. Endriartono Sutarto, which was attended by The Jakarta
Post's Tiarma Siboro.

Question: In the 2004 general election, the military will have the right
to vote, but why did you once tell soldiers not to exercise that
right?

A: We, the military, agree that the 2004 general election is the
most important moment for this country because at this time, the
country will see the direct election of leaders by the people.
Along with the police, we want to safeguard the event by being
neutral and impartial. We hope all parts of the country will
support us.

Q: How do you implement it?

A: As a state apparatus, the military has not exercised the right
to vote and consequently, the institution was granted free seats
at the legislative body. For a long time we have not exercised
our political rights. But changes have been made since
politicians amended the 1945 Constitution and provided us with
the right to vote. Indeed, our seats at the House of
Representatives will be scrapped in 2004 and at the People's
Consultative Assembly in 2009.

Looking at the current situation of the country, which remains
far from being mature in politics, I think it will be unwise to
let the soldiers maintain impartiality while at the same time
voting for certain political parties. Therefore, again, I ask
Indonesian people to allow the soldiers not to exercise their
political rights.

Q: What kind of compensation will you ask for?

A: We have never asked for any compensation from legislators due
to our position. TNI belongs to the people, therefore our
aspirations should be in line with those of the people. We no
longer need to pursue our political interests and, moreover, we
don't ask for certain posts in the cabinet nor other political
institutions. If the government decides to appoint military
officers as cabinet ministers, I think the decision must be made
based on meritorious and professional considerations.

Q: Do you anticipate a deadlock in the direct presidential election?

A: I don't think there will be a deadlock. (But) Perhaps the
winner will not win by an overwhelming number of votes. No matter
who contests the presidential election, the TNI will safeguard
the event until the country chooses a president who is elected
constitutionally.

Q: How does the military respond to retired officers who wish to
contest the presidential election?

A: Principally, everybody has the right to run for presidency as
long as they follow existing regulations. Regarding the retired
military officers, I have to state that they are no longer within
our structure. So there will be no obligation for us to support
them. Also, I ask these retired officers not to seek support nor
take benefits from either military individuals or the military
institution. I also demand that the military avoid being
"exploited" by candidates during their campaign.

Q: Why did you pick politics and general elections as a theme
instead of military professionalism?

A: I have to talk about politics because the 2004 general
elections is considered to be the momentum for the country to
emerge from the current crisis. It is such a critical moment for
this country.

Q: How about the elections in certain troubled provinces, such as
Aceh?

A: Regarding Aceh, the TNI has no right to decide whether or not
the martial law there should be lifted or extended. The decision
lies with the government and legislators. The six-month period of
the martial law will expire on Nov. 19, so we can leave the
matter to the political authorities... whether or not they will
maintain the status. Our obligation to Aceh people is to enable
them to exercise their right to vote, even if the political
authorities decide to keep the emergency status.

Q: How about the plan to renew military's weaponry?

A: Principally, the state will be able to defend its sovereignty
and dignity should its security force be provided with enough
supporting equipment. I really want to see the military possess
adequate weaponry to safeguard the state's sovereignty and
safety.

Although the country is currently facing a difficult economic
situation, I think the TNI's need for weaponry should not be a
problem because we can rely on domestic companies which produce
military equipment, such as (Surabaya-based state ship maker) PT
PAL. We can purchase it from neighboring countries through
counter trade deals.

I wish to equip the Air Force with a squadron of Russian-made
Sukhoi jet fighters; or six MI-35 assault helicopters for the
Army; or strengthen our Navy with dozens of vessels to guard our
vast territory (with some 17,000 islands). But, that's just what
I wish.