Paul Jacob – The Indonesian military's territorial affairs chief yesterday cautioned against any move towards a federal system, saying it could expose the country to "larger costs and higher risks".
Lt-General Agus Widjojo, speaking in Singapore, said if unhappiness in the provinces centred on the over-centralisation of authority in Jakarta and the uneven distribution of revenue, these issues could be resolved without changing the existing political structure of a unitary state.
"A change in the political structure would mean a significant change in the 1945 Constitution because the form of a unitary Republic of Indonesia is explicitly stated in the Constitution," he said in reply to a question on the military's view of a federation of Indonesian states.
"As it is stated in the Constitution, we can expect that the founding fathers had identified the sensitivity of the diverse nature of the country and the nation," he said.
"What we also have to consider in the current discussion is whether federalism can bring about a better situation and a solution to the problems we are now encountering – or will it just expose the nation to larger costs and bigger risks."
Lt-Gen Agus' remarks, which were a clear indication that the defence forces (TNI) oppose reverting to the federalism concept, came at the end of a two-day Regional Experts programme organised by Singapore Press Holdings.
He said that instead of jumping to embrace the idea of federalism – as distinct from greater autonomy for provinces – those involved in discussions on the issue should ask if the existing structure of the state was the root cause, or whether it was something else.
In his view, the main issues appear to be a fairer sharing of the revenue derived from resources, and a sense that there is too much control of the regions from Jakarta.
Indeed, President Abdurrahman Wahid signed a regulation earlier this month that would set in motion a process to give provinces greater control over their wealth – and hopefully ease simmering separatist tensions.
Lt-General Agus indicated that the military was supportive of the autonomy approach which, among other things, will give provincial administrations greater freedom in administering education, health, land rights and transport policies as well as investment approvals.
That the military is comfortable with the law – due for full implementation on Jan 1 next year – may also be due to the fact that the central government will still retain control over key areas including defence, foreign policy, religion and law.
The issue of federalism is viewed with concern in Indonesia as it is seen as undermining the foundations of Indonesian nationalism and it raises fears that the tumultuous 1950s – when regions formed breakaway states – will be repeated. Lt-Gen Agus acknowledges that one of the military's greatest fears is the break-up of the country.