Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Djoko Santoso said Thursday recent election disputes which turned violent in some regions served notice that the nation was not prepared for democracy.
Djoko told a press conference at the conclusion of a two-day TNI leadership meeting here the military was concerned about the conflicts, which he said could endanger national unity. "It (the conflict) is an indication, a sign, that we... are not ready to practice democracy," he said.
He was referring to ongoing disputes between supporters of candidates in the elections for governor and deputy governor in South Sulawesi and North Maluku. The election disputes have dragged on, despite the Supreme Court's intervention.
While acknowledging that the political implications of the disputes should not concern the military, Djoko said the TNI bore the responsibility to restore peace.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has appointed Army chief operational assistant Maj. Gen. Tanribali Lamo as interim governor of South Sulawesi, a move which pro-democracy activists say signals a return of the military to practical politics.
Tanribali retired from the military just before his induction as interim governor, a position that will require him to restore peace and reconcile the conflicting camps. Yudhoyono himself resigned from the military after he accepted a ministerial post in the Cabinet of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid. Army chief territorial assistant Maj. Gen. Prijanto is another officer who gave up his military career for a political job as the running mate of Fauzi Bowo in the Jakarta gubernatorial election last year.
A number of retired military generals are also eying gubernatorial or deputy gubernatorial posts in several future regional elections, reminiscent of the New Order period which saw military officers hold key civilian posts.
Djoko's discontent with the democratization process in the country echoes previous statements, including from Vice President Jusuf Kalla.
"It is not surprising to see people elect figures who can maintain discipline and stability. Thus, the chance for those with a military background could be bigger," Kalla was quoted by Antara as saying Wednesday in Mecca, where he is on a minor haj pilgrimage.
Some observers have criticized civilian politicians for suffering an "inferiority complex" when it comes to elections, saying they tend to rely on figures with a military background. (uwi)