Dicky Christanto, Denpasar – Learning from the experience that following orders without question has led several soldiers to face a bleak future of life behind bars, many soldiers have started taking a more critical approach to orders.
"A good soldier should be able to quickly analyze any order given by his superior and determine whether it is an order based on the personal interests (of the superior) or indeed a valid order from the institution," Second Sgt. Bambang (not his real name) told The Jakarta Post recently. Bambang serves in an elite Army unit stationed in Bali.
"We will follow orders from the institution without question. But an order based on the personal interests of our superiors, well, we have no obligation to obey it. In fact, we could question that order," he added.
But Bambang admitted the strict military hierarchy meant it was an unwise move to flatly refuse to carry out an order. "Of course, it is not wise to start a confrontational argument with the superior officer, so we should argue with him politely."
The "polite" way Bambang and his fellow soldiers usually adopt involves asking the superior to present them with a written, signed order.
Bambang said he was once ordered by a superior to do something he found unethical. He refused to give details of the order, only saying that his superior instructed him to gather several soldiers to track down and secure an individual.
"It was a simple order actually but since my superior couldn't show me a written order, I refused to do it. I told my superior I would gladly carry out the order if he could produce an official, written order," he said.
He said he realized this kind of situation could often put soldiers in a tough spot.
"But we still need to do that (asking for a written, signed order) because I personally won't take responsibility for any consequences of an order that is based solely on the superior's personal interest or ambition," he said.
He acknowledged the development of the Internet had done a great service for him and his military colleagues as it provided a way for them to gather information on the nature of various orders and how to deal with them.
"Learning about the experiences of our military colleagues all over the world has enabled us to see a few critical issues with a clearer perspective. We are of the same opinion that being a soldier is not equal to being a robot, which will follow any instruction its owner gives," he said.
Bambang, who graduated from a petty officer course around 10 years ago, has built his military career moving from one military operation to the other. He served in critical operations in Ambon and Aceh, after which he was transferred to Bali.
As an army second sergeant, he is paid Rp 2.3 million (US$304) per month plus 28 kilograms of rice, he said.
When asked whether the monthly salary was sufficient, Bambang was silent for a minute, before saying, "Of course my salary covers all my daily needs but I don't dare to dream of having more than just daily needs."
Although he has a plan for his family, he said he would not risk destroying his military career by making mistakes such as providing protection for gambling dens or prostitution rings.
"Some soldiers are still involved in those kinds of business because the revenue is attractive," said the father of one. "But I would rather go to war with the pride of a soldier than to be a bouncer for such dirty businesses."