Wolfowitz's remarks
Wolfowitz's remarks
The Jakarta Post of June 1, 2002 published an article about a
remark from Wolfowitz, the Deputy U.S. defense secretary and a
former ambassador to Indonesia. He is quoted as urging the
Indonesian Military to reform itself. This is a rather strange
remark, considering that the Indonesian Military had decided a
long time ago to reform itself, even when there was no pressure
from the U.S. It would be more accurate, if the deputy secretary
urged the Indonesian Military to step up its reform.
It is likely that Wolfowitz's remark is based on the opinion
expressed by an NGO called Research Institute for Democracy and
Peace (RIDEP) whose anti-TNI feelings are well-known. RIDEP has
stated that the TNI reform is mere lip service.
Perhaps the progress is not fast enough according to the U.S.,
because the U.S. is not very familiar with all the circumstances,
such as the political climate, surrounding the TNI.
What I found strange in Wolfowitz's remark is: "U.S. support
for the Indonesian Military can help teach Indonesian officers to
have more respect for human rights and democracy".
I think that we know as much as any other nation what human
rights and democracy are all about. I am sure that Wolfowitz
based his opinion on what he reads in the press. But he should
investigate whether the media, NGOs and political parties are
objective and neutral in their reports of human rights
violations. Most reports are exaggerated, due to the feeling of
dislike based on political jealousy toward the TNI.
A few months back three NGOs collectively wrote a letter to the
U.S. Senate, asking them not to resume their military aid for the
TNI, because the TNI as an enemy of the people and will use this
aid it to oppress them.
They want to prevent the political comeback of the TNI, while
in fact the TNI themselves are working very hard to become real
professional soldiers.
As a former ambassador to Indonesia, Wolfowitz should know
what the public sentiments (especially politicians') are toward
the TNI.
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