In retrospect, I should not engage in debate with people who have zero idea about civil-military relations in Indonesia.
And no, I am not paid by the military to attack SBY. Even if that's the case, that will completely demolish the idea that the military is blindly supporting SBY.
------
Indonesia's Soldier-Scholars Are Our Best Hope
Yohanes Sulaiman | October 05, 2012
 |
| 'The military no longer shields its members from persecution nor turns a blind eye on abuses caused by its members' (Antara Photo/Widodo S. Jusuf) |
Today, we celebrate the Indonesian National Armed Forces Day which will be a good opportunity to evaluate how far the Indonesian military has gone since it relinquished power in the aftermath of the fall of Suharto and the signing of the Indonesian Military Law in 2004.
First, it cannot be denied that the armed forces have done what was expected from them. As regulation forbids them from getting involved in politics while in uniform, gone was the military representation in the parliament that was a fixture of the New Order.
The military also formally gave up its business enterprises. For an organization that had been involved in politics constantly since the 1950s, the military’s willingness to completely return to the barracks without much fuss and for giving up its political power was an indication that the military was truly committed to transforming itself into a professional organization.
Second, there have been many positive developments in the past few years, notably the fact that the military as an institution is no longer involved in human rights abuses. In fact, it tried very hard to avoid any actions that would be seen as human rights violations.
While there have still been incidents of violence between military personnel and locals, such as the Atambua incident in March last year (in which a group of soldiers severely beat several locals in East Nusa Tenggara, killing one), they should be seen as isolated incidents.
Unlike in the past, where the entire episode would be have been hushed up, Adm. Agus Suhartono, the chief of the Indonesian Military (TNI), vowed to investigate the case thoroughly, with the deputy commander of the battalion in question, Capt. Nuryanto, apologizing to the victims’ families. In July, several soldiers were tried and sentenced, with one getting expelled from the military.
While critics might justly argue that the sentence was too lenient, it should also be noted as an indication that the military no longer shields its members from persecution nor turns a blind eye to abuses caused by its members. The fact that it is willing to be held accountable over the misdeeds of some of its members should be seen as a welcome development, as senior officers attempt to turn the military into a modern and professional institution that is widely respected and even loved by the public.
At the same time, the military still has a lot of homework to do.
The Atambua incident showed that the military still has a long way to go to become the truly professional organization it aims to be. It still needs to instill more discipline, improve training, change the mind-set of some of its members who are still stuck in the past, and foster close cooperation between civil and military authorities.
More importantly, however, the TNI needs to redefine its purpose in the new era. It has to start answering the difficult questions, notably what kind of military is needed in the future to protect the entire Indonesian archipelago?
Should the TNI simply be content with defending Indonesian territory, or should it also look at the entire Southeast Asian region as its sphere of interest, and thus get involved with the defense of Indonesia’s friends in the region? Should Indonesia actually be involved in regional disputes, notably the ongoing dispute involving multiple nations in the South China Sea?
In order to answer those questions, the military needs to have more soldier-scholars, people with strong military backgrounds and at the same time strong academic backgrounds, as they are able to grasp the current situation and think about long-term strategic planning. Examples of such soldier-scholars of the past are Gen. T.B. Simatupang and Gen. Abdul Haris Nasution.
These soldier-scholars, however, could only exist when the TNI allowed more soldiers to grapple and experiment with untested ideas without the fear of having their career derailed for having an unorthodox mind-set.
While the military has been moving in that direction, it needs to provide additional institutional support to foster more exchange of ideas among officers and to create an outlet for those who dare to criticize the system.
In the end, it is the wish of every Indonesian soldier to have a professional and well-respected military organization with a broad vision to safeguard Indonesian interests locally and globally.
--
DasMonk
9:15pm Oct 5,
2012
sir
the tni have not withdrawn fron business activity, please check the lists of seo commissioners and you can see the truth, in addition the tni are now dealing directly creating alternative cash streams - tanks, aircraft other procurement etc
also the illegal activity stands proud as is well known
as for not protecting... show me a single mid ranking to senior officer who is in jail, like the fpi they offer up sacraficial lambs
i fully accept there are less cases of violence we are aware of and that is +ve however some suggest and with good evidence they now get other civilian groups to do the mafia stuff
they hv further to go than you suggest i think, perhaps you have fallen for the prabowo hyperbole?
tni marks out of ten... 4
YS marks from 10... 5
the picture remonds me of Another Brick in the Wall
Yohanes-Sulaiman
10:00pm Oct 5,
2012
Do you mean SOE (State-Owned Enterprises)? All of the commissioners are retired generals, and while nepotism in some cases play a role here, they are not in the TNI institution anymore. Same thing with the TNI-connection with the radical groups, such as the FPI -- the FPI was originally sponsored by several retired generals, not active generals in the TNI.
Ok, the TNI is still not perfect, they still have a long way to go, considering that it takes decades to reform the entire culture and we only have 8 years since the implementation of UU 34/2004.
And actually the TNI is seen as the only organization in Indonesia truly committed to reform and that's why in every survey, the TNI constantly seen by people as the most respected organization.
Thus, to completely dismiss their attempts to reform is to do many good men and women currently serving there a huge injustice.
About Prabowo, he has already retired and has nothing to do with the current active-duty TNI personnel.
DasMonk
6:18am Oct 6,
2012
Sir
The link between retired and active is real and strong, to separate them is naive and unreasonable in business and politics here.
Apart from the commissioners SEO’s there is significant evidence that the TNI has not relinquished its direct interests in businesses. Refer to JP ‘Editorial: Incomplete reforms’ Fri, October 05 2012 (yesterday)there are other recent sources from HRW to the Int Press that contradict your view.
No not perfect but I agree they have made progress, I do not mean to dismiss nor demean those who are actively reforming. How superficial that reform is only time will tell. To your statement ‘they are seen as the only..reform’, the question is, are we being prepared for a new caring New Order? who are the only organisation capable of ending the violence and corruption? They want us to believe it is so. My own comment on this is that power corrupts and ultimate power, the joining of political and military speeds that process.
JohnGalt
7:57am Oct 6,
2012
Yohanes, you forgot to mention one very important contribution, the contribution that TNI makes in sending officers and staff to some very dangerous and difficult missions as UN peace keeping forces.
Although much derided, they perform very well, mobilize to very difficult places that other will not go to and and with limited numbers and supporting materiel, they save lives. By their nature of being asian they form very strong and popular connection with local populations in many African and other countries.
They are highly respected in the UN Peace keeping forces and provide essential services. I have met many Mid-ranking officers on foreign duty and they are every bit as professional and highly trained as they counterparts in other units.
The younger Generation of Officers are highly educated professionals that will change the nature of TNI for the better in the future. They see their careers in a more modern and professional light. TNI has come a long way already.
Roland
11:11am Oct 6,
2012
..and not to forget the President himself, who indeed comes from the ranks too (although obviously retired and elected in his current position in a democratic process).
It is most obvious that he still maintains very close ties to the army and within his relatives.
Since his initial inauguration the defense budget more than tripled, on first sight to balance the loss of private businesses, held by the army and which used to fill the coffers, but it is still not out in public how many businesses the army itself still holds or just moved on to other businesses to give the illusion that they dropped this lucrative source of income.
Yes there was a certain transformation to the better, good so and indeed needed, but members of the army still show arrogance against the very public they are supposed to defend and protect and there are still indications that not only high ranking officers but also regular soldiers believe that they are above the law of this country.
Still lots of work to do
Yohanes-Sulaiman
12:24pm Oct 6,
2012
DasMonk: Try asking any active officers and ask them whether they would obey an order from a retired general, and they will have a funny at you. Unlike during the Suharto's era, they are now making a clear delineation between active and retired generals. They will still respect the retired ones, will invite them once in a while, etc., but those retirees could not do anything to command the active-duty personnel. There is no way in hell Prabowo is going to tell active duty soldiers to e.g. help him launch a coup. First, he is not THAT popular among ranks, and second he is retired. Basically the view is that "you have your 5 minutes of fame already, and time to give spotlights to other new generals."
On military's enterprises, yes there are still illegal lodgings etc, but you have to look at the context that a lot of soldiers are still badly paid, and the money from the state budget is not enough at this point to pay them all. It is actually the duty of commanders to give troops enough
money for salaries, funds, etc; and that's why they still resort to illegal businesses enterprises.
I will combine my answer to you with Roland: you see that's the problem. Indonesia has too many soldiers that they cannot get rid of too many of them at once, lest you want a real military rebellion. At the same time, Indonesia badly need new armaments, notably patrol ships and fighters, and they are very expensive. Thus you still have to have the same dilemma: low salaries, and state that could not fund everything at once, forcing some commanders to still rely on illegal enterprises, lest they would face a real riot, like the one happened a couple years ago in Papua.
Frankly, I will give them a break for now, as long as the trajectory is still good, you need to give them enough time and money to completely reform themselves.
I am not denying that there are still bad soldiers, but from my observations, majority do want to change, and that's good in my book.
This is a really bloated organization with so many mess in it, that dated not only from 1950s, but also from the beginning of the republic in 1945. They need a lot of energy, effort, and time to change their mindset completely. The trend in the past few years, however, is encouraging, and that, I think what really counts.
@John Galt: I would put it, but I have a 700-words limitation for this article. But, I agree. most younger generation in the TNI that I have met are wonderful people that would do their best to change this messed up system. It is our duty to encourage them and at the same time, to constructively criticize them.
DasMonk
2:04pm Oct 6,
2012
Sir
I understand your point but you are now swaying away from your initial statements. We have now established, and agreed that TNI have current influence and business interests legal and illegal, despite your initial assertion. The extent of retired influence we disagree upon. I will tell you this though, if I want to know the dirt on anything I ask my great uncle who is a not so senior retired soldier, he is usually 100% on the coin.
Now you state 'This is a really bloated organization with so many mess in it'... So agreeing the progress is minimal, possibly even superficial.
They have made progress, I believe however you are playing their progress up
too many progresses spoil the post..
Debate is healthy and without 22's retarded input it is informative and enjoyable. Please note this WEd. You still get your hits without ridiculous interjection
Ferasio
3:02pm Oct 6,
2012
"if I want to know the dirt on anything I ask my great uncle who is a not so senior retired soldier, he is usually 100% on the coin." two points of contention with this statement. first, not so senior and retired from force years ago not considered good source of advice.Second, all your interested in is always dirt and never anything positives in most of your posts., including here.
Yohanes-Sulaiman
3:33pm Oct 6,
2012
DasMonk: We might argue about semantics here, but the military did give up their legal enterprises, such as Mandala Air. There are still some illegal enterprises, e.g. lodging, but none of them is controlled by the military as an institution, and that's the key difference -- institutional control vs. some individual generals' control. The military as an institution is cleaning the house.
You see, if your great uncle know so much about the dirt of the military, why don't you ask him, instead of me? He must be able to tell you more than I do. In the meantime, please also ask him how much influence he can still pull -- in the military HQ? You will find his influence to be limited mostly to some small perks, such as having his acquaintance to be allowed to join the military. There is no way he can still influence major decision making process in the military HQ. Or, maybe he can tell you how bad the progress within the military currently?
On the issue of progress, instead asking your senior retired great uncle, maybe you should ask still-active duty soldiers, and ask them to compare the military before and after reformation.
The military might still be a bloated institution, that need to get rid a lot of their excesses, but at least they are trying to do it, and they have been making good progress in doing it. I am happy to plead guilty as accused that I am playing up their progress, if that means that it will further encourage people in the military to keep up with reforms.
I am, however, not playing up their progresses, and I don't think I am doing that in my article. I even noted their problems, e.g. Atambua.
There are still many things to do, but at least as an institution, they are willing to engage in much-needed reform. That should be seen as something positive, especially considering the entire police-vs-kpk fight that currently going on.
DasMonk
4:43pm Oct 6,
2012
Sir
I have not said there has been no progress, however you stated they have given up interests in SOE and they clearly have not, Or perhaps The Post Editorial I linked you to from Friday is not true? Or the HRW reports from May and others from Tempo? Dont forget the deadline was 2008.As yet I have not seen a government statement 3 years after the deadline. Why is that? No influence? really?
Again, I acknowledge progress but my point is the progress is not as significant as you have portrayed, in fact the idea retired generals have no sway is simply closing ones eyes.
Sir, we agree on many points but on several as indicated I believe you are wide of the mark. As for consulting with current officers, quite honestly sir I would be in fear for what stating I actually know regarding current illegal activities
lets agree to disagree since I am committed to not being drawn by JG's pro sharia, pro TNI, pro Prabowo, pro SBY, pro greed and anti everything else puppet
Good night YS
Yohanes-Sulaiman
5:35pm Oct 6,
2012
Again, what do you mean by "no influence?" Are we talking about the retirees or the military as an institution here? You really should ask your great uncle to see how much influence he can still wield in the military. Once you are done talking to him, then maybe you will realize one simple fact that the retirees cannot influence the chain of command in the military HQ, and the chain of command system is what really matters in the decision-making within the TNI -- well, aside of the president, due to his position.
Basically our debate is whether the glass is half empty or half full. I tend to see it as half full, while it is half empty for you. I don't think we can reach an agreement here.
Besides if you really understand the military, there are 'things which are done' and things which are 'not done," especially in a public forum like this.
Contextus
7:20pm Oct 6,
2012
In Thailand nobody has the slightest idea how to eradicate the unconstitutional influence of army and monarchy, and the Thai lèse majesté legislation effectively impedes any discussion of the palace. Therefore the great achievement of the TNI’s return to the barracks should be appreciated as a necessary condition for the possibility of democracy.
"Among the greatest tragedies of Thailand’s modern history — and the most damaging and prolonged misjudgment of Bhumibol’s six decades on the throne — is the disastrous influence the military has been allowed to exert
over the kingdom’s politics. Since 1932, Thailand’s history has been shaped by the shifting balance of power between three institutions: the monarchy, the military, and parliament. For the vast majority of the time, the Royal Thai Army has had the dominant role, usually — although not always — with the explicit backing of, and in alliance with, King Bhumibol."
http://www.zenjournalist.com/?wpdmact=process&did=Mi5ob3RsaW5r
DasMonk
7:32am Oct 7,
2012
Sir, I was not referring to you by the way I was referring to JG's self styled guru of malicious intent
My final fling; The glass is filling, but not as fast as you imply.
johnEnglish8:12am Oct 7, 2012
Yesterday, in the traffic, I saw guy on a motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger, pull over and brutally attack another motorcyclist. The aggressor was in military uniform and the poor guy that got beaten up seemed powerless to retaliate.
Yohanes-Sulaiman
8:53am Oct 8,
2012
DasMonk: You do realize that many premans now, such as the Pemuda Pancasila, are also wearing uniforms similar to the military's uniforms? If you see those kind of incidents, feel free to report them.
DasMonk
9:36am Oct 8,
2012
Sir
please note it was Johns post I reposted. To make a point, I was not there...
Report a policeman to another policeman? are you insane or just living in an idealistic vacuum???? Please do me the courtesy of thinking before you reply.
Yes, of course I know there are a million uniforms, a sad mirror to the nation and the military past that is being reformed (sic) I see the reformation every day Sir as I see young children marching and singing nationalist songs preparing them for what?
Yohanes-Sulaiman
1:30pm Oct 8,
2012
Report the military personnel to their commander or just write a reader's letter in the newspaper, stating which unit, etc. Need I remind you that a couple of weeks ago, there's a military officer was videotaped as beating a motorcyclist and the military was immediately did an internal investigation on this matter?
Unlike in the new order or in the police force, the military is taking this internal reform very seriously. If the personnel is guilty, then the TNI will take care of it.
DasMonk
7:10am Oct 9,
2012
Sir
The TNI officer reported has been punished?? no
Sir, your ideals are worth applause and again I stress strides have been made,
I many are swallowing the food that leads us to a path of an official New New Order
The populous is sick and tired of a government and leadership that is failing the majority of them in terms of dealing with the real daily issues the police (we agree) are probably the most perverted group on this planet. So a reformed and caring TNI.. The only real problem is they have huge illegal activities and still have significant interests in business. Power will halt reforms and within a short time reverse them, in the mean time we will be left with another period of forced stability, reminiscent of 'guided democracy' which sir is how I see the nation going.
Thank you sir for the intercoures
Valkyrie
9:42am Oct 9,
2012
I've read with great interest the exchanges between you and DM.
Here's my personal view. People in "uniform" have the attitude of I am an "untouchable." I have observed that many adore wearing a uniform and the feeling of 'power' that accompanies it.
You suggest writing a letter to the media? You really serious? Even Novel is now fearing for his life.
They are too powerful for the ordinary (single) guy on the street to cross swords with.....and, you know that!
Your suggestion is beyond my comprehension.
ps
I tried once at the Immigration Office to fight for my rights. Make an intelligent guess what transpired thereafter. You are an Indonesian and you DO NOT completely feel what we expats go through.
MikeOfAston
10:14am Oct 9,
2012
Valkyrie / DasMonk - I am more with you but don't you think Yohanes-Sulaiman's job at Indonesian Defense University color his thought (which he would deny of course)?
jchay
10:54am Oct 9,
2012
Yohanes, I have to agree with Valkyrie, just like all public servants we have, Indonesian Military also have their share of "untouchable" mentality problem!
So what happened to the Kapten who videotaped beating a motorcyclist with his gun? What was the result of their so-called internal investigation? Have we seen any public servants being seriously punished by their "internal" system (see Arifinto)? Not until these public servants and so-called people representatives realize what it means by being public servants, that they are paid by the people's hard-earned tax paying money, and their role is to serve the people of Indonesia (not the other way around!), nothing will change. The impunity is simply the icing on the cake.
Valkyrie
11:32am Oct 9,
2012
Mike...
Inadvertently, I believe it would. Deny? No, he's too much of a gentleman to do that.
@jchay... Thanks!
DasMonk
1:04pm Oct 9,
2012
I have since being a member of this forum enjoyed YS's often scathing attacks of SBY. In light of this articles inaccuracies one must question why SBY gets the tongue lashing whilst corrupt generals are praised?
If the TNI is reformed as implied then its praise due to SBY and yet not one mention...
When one further extrapolates that thinking (hypothetically of course) taking in the very real link between YS and the military it begs the question of motive.
Perhaps I am just living in the past when Indonesia was run by military men and those associated with them, or perhaps I am living in fear of history repeating itself.
DrDez
6:55pm Oct 11,
2012
Last month I was invited to attend a student (SMA) debate in Denpasar and was truly astounded and blown away by the skill and conviction these young Balinese boys and girls debated a range of current issues. In English may I add.
It seems to me young Safi may have graduated from that school of debaters.
I admire Yohanes a great deal, few have the conviction and awareness regarding challenging the status quo of RI politics and I like it.
However on this occasion I would suggest the young lady from Ubud has bested the self styled voice of the moderate military - I look forward to round 2...
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