Sejarah Dwifungsi ABRI

Summary

The debate on the potential revival of the Indonesian military's dual function (dwifungsi) has sparked public outcry, recalling the authoritarian practices of the New Order era. Originating in the late 1950s, this doctrine allowed military personnel to hold political power, intertwining military and civil governance. Critics argue that it undermines democracy and civil liberties, especially as Indonesia moves toward greater democratic ideals. Following the fall of Suharto, efforts were made to reduce military influence, raising crucial questions about the military's role in contemporary politics and whether dwifungsi could resurface in today's context.

Takeaways

• 😀 The recent discourse around the return of the dual function of the military (dwifungsi TNI) in Indonesia has stirred public concern.
• 😀 The government plans to appoint military officers to positions within ministries, prompting strong public opposition.
• 😀 The concept of dwifungsi TNI is viewed as a throwback to traumatic doctrines from the New Order era, countering the democratic reforms of the current era.
• 😀 The roots of military involvement in politics trace back to the 1957 emergency war law, which allowed military regulations concerning public order.
• 😀 General A.H. Nasution's middle road concept in 1958 sought to redefine the military's role, proposing it as a collaborative force rather than a dominating one.
• 😀 By 1959, military representation in the cabinet was significant, reflecting an institutionalization of the military's political role.
• 😀 The dual function of the military was officially legitimized during the New Order, allowing military personnel to hold governmental positions.
• 😀 Criticism of the dwifungsi doctrine intensified in the late 1980s as civil society strengthened and calls for transparency grew.
• 😀 The transition towards democracy post-Suharto led to the gradual dismantling of the dwifungsi doctrine, separating military and governmental roles.
• 😀 The historical context of dwifungsi is linked to maintaining regime stability, raising questions about its relevance and potential resurgence in contemporary Indonesia.

Q & A

What is the recent debate surrounding the Indonesian military (TNI) about?

The debate centers on the potential reintroduction of the dual function of TNI, allowing military officers to hold positions in government ministries.

Why are people opposed to the return of TNI's dual function?

Many citizens oppose it because they fear a return to the traumatic doctrines of the New Order era, which could undermine democratic progress.

What historical context is provided regarding the military's role in Indonesian politics?

The military's involvement in politics began with the 1957 emergency war laws, allowing them to maintain public order during crises.

What was General A.H. Nasution's concept of the military's role?

Nasution proposed that the military should not only serve the government but also cooperate with civilian forces as a 'people's struggle force.'

How was the concept of dual function formalized during the New Order?

The dual function was legitimized through regulations that allowed the military to have both security and political roles, resulting in military personnel holding various government positions.

What criticism arose regarding the dual function in the late 1980s?

Critics pointed to the strengthening of civil society and called for the military's separation from politics to uphold democratic values.

What changes occurred after Suharto's resignation in 1998 regarding the dual function?

The dual function began to be dismantled, including the removal of the military's designated seats in the legislature and separating military leadership from civilian defense roles.

What does Samuel Huntington suggest about military professionalism in democracies?

Huntington argues that militaries in democratic nations should return to barracks and operate under civilian control, contrasting with the dual function that allows military governance.

What role did the dual function play in Suharto's regime?

The dual function served as a tool for Suharto to maintain stability and suppress civil freedoms, reinforcing military control over politics.

Is there a possibility of the dual function being reinstated in current times?

The script questions whether the dual function could return, highlighting the ongoing debate over military involvement in politics.