TNI's dual function

The article in your paper on July 3, 2003 written by Dr. Damien Kingsbury, titled Lingering problems: TNI, the state, the nation was appalling. The dual function of the Indonesian Military (TNI), which went beyond the intentions of its architect, the late Gen. A.H. Nasution, contributed significantly to political and economic stability in Indonesia for nearly 30 years under former president Soeharto.

I don't think that the downfall of Soeharto was due to the dual function per se. It resulted from the failure of various national institutions such as the House of Representatives and the People's Consultative Assembly, etc., to function as they should, which forced Soeharto to bow to the will of the people. He resigned and vice president BJ Habibie was then sworn in as president.

Kingsbury's opinion on the role of the military in the dual function was biased and deviated from reality. He said the military needed public obedience to the state's Pancasila philosophy and "nationalism."

Pancasila and nationalism are not vague mantra, as Kingsbury suggested. Pancasila as a way of life is solid, and nationalism, being one of its five principles, is inextricably linked to Pancasila. Nationalism was stressed in the 1928 Youth Congress, in which people pledged to have one state, one nation and one national language -- Indonesia.

As regards the military operation in Aceh, it is a political decision aimed at protecting the integrity of the unitary state of Indonesia. The operation is not the task of the military alone, as understood by Kingsbury. It is a commitment of the whole nation.

It is an integrated operation that will lead to a normalization of the lives of the Acehnese people, as it does not only involve security but also other aspects, such as the local economy, education, etc. Hence, GAM will sooner or later be forgotten by the people and become a thing of the past. The Acehnese people then can look forward to a peaceful and prosperous life within the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

MUHD RAMZY HASIBUAN, Jakarta