TNI's political card
Hats off to the Indonesian Military (TNI) for playing its political card right at the House of Representatives last week. The TNI faction joined most other factions in the House in censuring President Abdurrahman Wahid for his alleged involvement in the Bulog and Brunei financial scandals. Contrary to the President's expectation which he expressed a day earlier, TNI on Thursday endorsed the House's Special Committee conclusion of an inquiry into the two scandals which led to the censure motion.
No longer the dominant political force it once was, there is no doubt that the military still yields some influence over political processes in Indonesia. But it must use this remaining political power wisely, lest it is accused once again of becoming a mere tool of the powers that be, as it did for 32 years during the Soeharto regime. Use this influence wisely, as it did at the House last week, and the military will surely and gradually regain public respect and trust.
The TNI leadership should be commended for its deft handling of what must have been a particularly awkward situation. On the one hand, the military must continue to pledge its loyalty to the President as TNI commander-in-chief. On the other hand, it must show to the nation that it can use what remains of its political powers wisely and responsibly. Militarily, TNI is responsible to the head of state, but in discharging its political privilege, it is answerable to the people. It must therefore always act in the best interest of the nation, whatever fate befalls its commander- in-chief.
The way out of this dilemma, as explained by the TNI leadership, is for the military to continue to pledge its allegiance to the presidency, but not to the political figure occupying the office. This may appear euphemistic to some people, but in this way, the military managed to distance itself from President Abdurrahman Wahid when the latter faced the censure motion at the House, while still professing to be loyal to the head of state.
TNI came out of this messy political affair intact and with dignity. This is the kind of political game that TNI should play for as long as it remains active in politics, which is likely to continue for a few more years as it is making a gradual and dignified retreat from the political arena.
It was not long ago that the military's political activism earned it the reputation of being the powerholders' bully. TNI's deep involvement in political processes eventually came at the expense of its reputation and credibility. When the Soeharto regime crumbled in 1998, it dragged the military down with it. In the last two years or so, TNI has been forced to drastically scale back its political influence as part of its effort to rehabilitate its name.
Today, TNI is led by a new generation of officers whose rise through the ranks have nothing or little to do with their connections to the President. Ironically this tradition to turn the military into a fully professional and politically independent force was made possible thanks in no small measure to President Abdurrahman himself. He may not have had his way in appointing all the top leaders in the military hierarchy, but he was certainly responsible for phasing out some of the top brass officers who have had close associations with the past regime.
Given the political mess that the country is in today, it looks as if TNI has moved a lot faster than its civilian counterparts in embracing the spirit of reform. There were of course disturbing signs when every now and then TNI, or some of its officers, were allegedly involved in some back room political dealings to win concessions for themselves. Last week however must be commended as a fine rare display of statesmanship by TNI in using its political privilege. A few more of such fine displays will ensure that the military, if and when it leaves the political arena, will do so with grace.