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.