TNI told to generate intellectuals
TNI told to generate intellectuals
BANDUNG (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S.
asserted on Saturday the need for TNI Staff and Command School
(Sesko TNI) to find -- in the face of rapid change in the country
-- intellectuals to help deal with many complex issues.
Widodo said in his speech marking the commemoration of the
school's 26th anniversary on Jl. Martanegara, that the school is
expected to serve as a think tank, from which TNI is able to
recognize its weaknesses, and also be able to respond to
criticism along with the needs of the people.
"We cannot act as if the military were the only ones who know
how to deal with national defense affairs," Widodo said in a
statement read by deputy Army chief of staff Lt. Gen. Endriartono
Sutarto, who is also the school's outgoing commander.
The school's rich experience must be nurtured to live up to
its status as "a center of excellence", Widodo stated.
TNI, he said, must understand and anticipate the nation's vast
changes, but at the same time strengthen national unity.
"We have to be able to cope with it or else we will watch the
country go to pieces," Widodo reiterated.
Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Endriartono warned
military critics against throwing out dirty opinions for their
own benefit.
He admitted that TNI had not yet found its appropriate
position and role in Indonesian society.
"This has been a long debate and we will keep trying to reach
a definitive and suitable conclusion. So help us through being
fair and giving us positive feedback and support," he said.
He hailed the appointment of Lt. Gen. Djadja Suparman as his
successor, whom he said fit the position due to his mastery of
command and territorial jobs.
Djadja, the former Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad)
chief, refused to comment on his future plans.
The handing over ceremony for the school's commander is slated
to take place at TNI Headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, Sesko TNI
spokesman Maj. I.B. Samba said. (25/edt)