Wiranto urged to make ABRI more democratic
Wiranto urged to make ABRI more democratic
JAKARTA (JP): Gen. Wiranto took over the command of the
Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) from Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday
amid calls from senior officers that he develop the military into
a more democratic institution.
Two senior ABRI members, Gen. (ret) Abdul Haris Nasution and
Gen. (ret) Leonardus Benjamin Moerdani, expressed hope that under
Wiranto the Armed Forces could be more heedful of and responsive
to people's aspirations.
"The Armed Forces should put people's aspiration above the
interests of any individual groups," Nasution told reporters
after attending the ceremony marking the transfer of duty from
Feisal to Wiranto at ABRI headquarters in Cilangkap, East
Jakarta.
Nasution, who turns 80 this year, said Wiranto should strive
to maintain unity in the Armed Forces and protect it from
disintegration.
Moerdani, who will be 66 this year, said the Armed Forces
should be more responsive to calls for democratization.
"The Armed Forces should be more open and accommodate
suggestions from people and be ready to hold dialogs," Moerdani,
who is better known as Benny, said.
The seniors also heaped praise on Wiranto for his capabilities
that earned him the top post in the military. Moerdani said
Wiranto deserved the post.
"I have observed his (Wiranto's) performance since long before
I was appointed the Armed Forces commander in 1983," he said.
"Wiranto has a good military record."
Wiranto was only 50 when President Soeharto signed a decree
appointing him ABRI commander on Feb. 11. His predecessor Feisal
Tanjung was appointed ABRI commander when he was 54 in 1993.
Nasution said it made sense that Wiranto had a more
outstanding record than his seniors, including himself.
"Today's military are better educated than we were in the
past," Nasution said.
He said that past military officers obtained a lot of
experience on the battlefield, although they were less well
educated.
"The current military officers should be good on the
battlefield as well as in other fields," Nasution said. "They
should be more conversant with their sociopolitical role."
In his address, Wiranto praised his predecessor's success in
developing the Armed Forces into a "professional, efficient and
modern" body.
"I congratulate General Feisal Tanjung who has done well and
built a professional, efficient and modern Armed Forces," Wiranto
said after receiving the commander's baton from Feisal.
"ABRI has also been successful in maintaining stability in the
country," he added in the ceremony attended by Chief of the
Supreme Advisory Council Sudomo, Chief Justice Sarwata and Chief
of the State Intelligence Coordinating Body Moetojib, as well as
foreign dignitaries and embassy defense attaches.
Also present were cabinet ministers, including Coordinating
Minister of People's Welfare Azwar Anas, Minister of Defense Edi
Sudradjat, and Justice Minister Oetojo Oesman.
One thousand troops from the Army, Navy, Air Force and
National Police corps were involved in the ceremony that was also
attended by Australian Armed Forces Chief Gen. John Baker.
Wiranto said ABRI must stay strong to survive the economic
difficulties currently blighting the country.
In his address, Feisal said a new commander would not mean
changes in strategic planning and policies.
"ABRI never changes and always stays the same," he said at the
ceremony.
The Armed Forces announced Wednesday it was renominating
President Soeharto for his seventh consecutive, five-year, term
and nominating a civilian, State Minister of Research and
Technology B.J. Habibie for the vice presidency in the General
Session of the People's Consultative Assembly next month. (imn)