Top TNI post turns into a test

Top TNI post turns into a test

Instead of a decision, the changing of the military commander
has developed into an issue. The extended delay reflects the
strong wish of the chiefs of staff to maintain the status quo and
the President's weak determination.

Commander Admiral Widodo AS should have retired in 1999, but
his position has been extended several times. The extension has
attracted criticism because the military and the President seem
to have indicated that some people are indispensable.

The military want to take care of themselves. This has been
their attitude during the reform era, while previously they
carried out repressive and authoritarian policies. They have
taken care of their own interests ... this has included their
resistance to the changing of the military commander in chief, as
well as the resistance against investigations conducted by the
Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations.

Choosing the right commander is not an easy matter, as the
laws limit candidates to those who have held, or are holding, the
positions of chief of staff. However, all the serving chiefs of
staff are themselves nearing retirement age.

Therefore, the changing of the military commander becomes an
important test for the President. It will be a test in taking
care of the military. Leaving it to the wishes of the status quo
will only show a lack of determination in the leadership of the
President.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta