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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Jakarta