Where does ABRI really belong?

Where does ABRI really belong?

From Merdeka

Professionally speaking, members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) are among the luckiest people in Indonesia because they can assume practically any positions, military or civilian. They can hold either structural positions within military circles or important posts within the bureaucracy, including the position of president.

In fact, military officers and civilian professionals such as engineers or doctors spend more or less equal time in their educational. A doctor may in fact take longer to obtain certification.

Another advantage of being members of ABRI is that opportunities in all sectors are open. Take membership of the House of Representatives (DPR) or the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Civilians must not only prove that they have been outstanding and active members of political parties over a considerable period of time, but also endure stiff competition with other candidates before they can be eligible for election as members of DPR. Members of ABRI, however, can become legislators in the DPR without having to go through the election process.

For this reason, it is really unfair and undemocratic to allow members of ABRI to sit in the DPR. It is tolerable and understandable to allow ABRI to be represented in the MPR by, say, four members representing the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. In the case of MPR members representing the Armed Forces, whether their number is big or small will not matter because these members will voice the policy outlined by their headquarters.

Finally, I suggest that ABRI should not allow itself to be closer to the center of power and business than to the people. Failing this, ABRI will be seen as protectors of powerholders and businesspeople and not the people.

GUSTAM EFFENDI

Bandung