Indonesia's military has come a long way in the 16 years since the collapse of Suharto's New Order regime, undergoing reforms to become a more professional institution.

Previously, active military officers could engage in almost every aspect of political life. Officers could run for mayor, district head, or governor. Suharto, for instance, became Indonesian president while still an Army general. Many people at that time believed that such involvement was normal or even necessary.

Territorial commands – at village, subdistrict, district and provincial levels – were established to enable pervasive military surveillance of citizen's activities.

Thanks to several civilian presidents who followed Suharto, and a number of reform-minded serving military leaders, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has accepted reforms which are bringing them under increasing civilian rule, and easing them from their socio-political position.

However, reform of the TNI is far from complete. Territorial commands are still there, the military is still partially self-funded, soldiers are still free from prosecution in civilian courts, and generals still seek political and economic power.

Retired generals, who are permitted to be active in politics, maintain connections with their serving juniors, allowing them to garner voting support from military families and issue veiled threats with implied backing by the armed forces.

TNI chiefs have provided public assurances that the institution remains neutral, and we should feel secure. But concerns remain that a partisan TNI could create conflict and even foment civil war, especially if the election result is close.

We call on the TNI to stay out of politics and put their whole energy into securing the nation from external threats.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/opinion/editorial-tni-must-stay-politics/