Tyasno denies politics behind any reshuffle
Tyasno denies politics behind any reshuffle
JAKARTA (JP): In the latest denial of a purge in the
Indonesian Military (TNI), Army Chief of Staff Gen. Tyasno
Sudarto warned people against linking any replacements in the
military to politics.
Tyasno said during his visit to the headquarters of the Army
Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) Infantry Division I in
Cilodong, Bogor, West Java, that there was no political motives
behind an officer's promotion or rotation, saying such moves were
simply meant to improve the military's performance.
"A tour of duty is very common in any organization, including
TNI. So let's stop speculating," Tyasno said.
He was commenting on reports that a major reshuffle was in the
works for the TNI, with an aim of minimizing the influence of its
former chief Gen. Wiranto and his allies.
Tyasno said the rumors would adversely affect "the internal
development of TNI".
The recent appointments of non-Army officers to positions
traditionally held by the Army raised many eyebrows. Among the
surprise appointments were Air Rear Marshal Ian Santoso
Perdanakusumah to replace Tyasno as chief of the TNI intelligence
agency, and Air Rear Marshal Graito Usodo, who took over as TNI
spokesman from Maj. Gen. Sudrajat.
Graito was installed in his new post by TNI Commander Adm.
Widodo A.S. on Tuesday.
Sudrajat, who will serve as the finance and economy assistant
to Widodo, said in his farewell speech TNI should maintain its
commitment to neutrality in the face of political rivalries and
prolonged violence in the country.
"TNI has committed to taking an equal distance from all
parties in a bid to uphold a civil society," he said.
A senior military observer, Lt. Gen. (ret) Hasnan Habib,
supported Sudrajat's sentiments. Speaking at a seminar on
militarism, Hasnan said TNI's intervention in politics would
prevent the nation from maturing and implementing democracy.
"Democracy entrusts politics to civilians, meaning civilians
dominate the military," Hasnan, a former TNI chief of
sociopolitical affairs and ambassador to the United States, said.
He said TNI should complete its internal reform by stepping
down from the political stage and focusing on its role of
defending the nation in order to enhance its professionalism and
neutrality.
"The military should immediately stop seeking civilian posts
in the bureaucracy for its best talents and leave the House of
Representatives," he said.
Hasnan said the recent barrage of criticism leveled at the
military was a result of the organization's past errors.
"Therefore the completion of internal reform in the military
organization is urgent to bring TNI back to its original
defensive function. The military should accept the fierce
criticism not as a denunciation but, and mainly, as moral support
from the people," he said.
He suggested civilians help the military carry out its reform.
"Without moral support, both the military and the National Police
will be unable to take stern measures against violence and other
crimes for fear of being accused of human rights abuses."
He was apparently referring to security personnel deployed to
Maluku and North Maluku to quell sectarian violence. It has been
suggested by some that the security personnel were hesitant to
take action for fear of being accused of rights abuses.
When asked about recent rumors of a possible military coup,
Hasnan hailed TNI leaders' pledge of allegiance to President
Abdurrahman Wahid's government.
"It is impossible for the military to attempt a coup because
in accordance with its doctrine, TNI owes its origin to the
people and has to protect them.
"If the military take over the government, TNI will be divided
and this will certainly jeopardize the existence of the
Indonesian state," he said. (rms)