SUPREMASI YANG HILANG

Summary

The transcript outlines key events in Indonesia's political history, focusing on the role of the military in governance. It covers the 1952 crisis where General AH Nasution demanded President Sukarno dissolve the DPR due to delayed elections, the rise of ABRI's dual function in the New Order era under President Soeharto, and the eventual rejection of military supremacy during the 1998 Reform Movement. The transcript highlights the ongoing demand to return the military to its barracks and addresses the impact of military involvement on civil society, with specific mention of abuses in Papua. It concludes with the call for accountability and reform.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script begins with a historical recount of political tensions in Indonesia in 1952, when General AH Nasution led a movement to demand President Soekarno dissolve the DPR due to the delayed elections.
• 😀 General AH Nasution's political activism was met with resistance, leading to his dismissal despite the military being expected to remain neutral in politics.
• 😀 A few years later, in 1958, General Nasution proposed the 'Dwifungsi ABRI' (Dual Function of the Military), which later became a significant policy during the New Order era under Suharto's regime.
• 😀 The Dual Function of the Military placed the military not only in charge of national security but also deeply involved in political matters, which led to various human rights violations and the collapse of civilian supremacy.
• 😀 Under Suharto's regime, the military's dual role was meant to maintain social stability, but it led to military dominance over civil matters and a disregard for civil supremacy.
• 😀 The Reform Movement in May 1998 called for the dismantling of the Dual Function of the Military and the return of the military to barracks, contributing to the overthrow of Suharto's authoritarian regime.
• 😀 Civil society groups, including the Coalition for Security Sector Reform, voiced their concerns about the possibility of military supremacy returning, urging for a review of security sector laws.
• 😀 The script highlights the frustration of civil society groups with the government's disregard for public concerns regarding the military's political involvement.
• 😀 A significant moment in the script involves the demand for the revision of the Indonesian Military Law (No. 34 of 2004), urging for it to be reconsidered to prevent military interference in politics.
• 😀 The script ends with a passionate call to resist any return to military dominance, with references to historical violence against civilians and a rallying cry for change.

Q & A

What was the political context surrounding the events mentioned in the transcript?

The political context involves tensions in Indonesia during the early 1950s, particularly regarding the delay in elections and the growing conflict between President Soekarno and military leaders like General AH Nasution. This led to military involvement in politics, with demands for Soekarno to dissolve the DPR (People's Representative Council).

Why did General AH Nasution demand the dissolution of the DPR?

General AH Nasution, along with other military leaders, demanded the dissolution of the DPR because elections were continuously postponed, leading to deepening political conflict. They wanted to push for a change in the government structure.

What was Soekarno's response to the demand for the dissolution of the DPR?

President Soekarno rejected the demand to dissolve the DPR, which led to the dismissal of General AH Nasution from his position as the Army Chief of Staff.

What was the 'Dual Function of the Armed Forces' (Dwifungsi ABRI), and how did it evolve under the New Order regime?

The 'Dual Function of the Armed Forces' (Dwifungsi ABRI) was a concept introduced by General Nasution, which gave the military both a role in national defense and in political governance. Under Soeharto's New Order regime, this function became more pronounced, with the military deeply involved in political matters, often undermining civilian supremacy and contributing to human rights violations.

How did the 'Dual Function of the Armed Forces' impact civil-military relations in Indonesia?

The Dual Function of the Armed Forces led to a diminished role for civilian institutions, as the military became deeply involved in political affairs. This resulted in the erosion of civilian authority and led to numerous human rights violations, as the military's political role grew stronger.

What was the role of the military in the New Order regime under Soeharto?

Under Soeharto's New Order regime, the military played a central role not only in national defense but also in maintaining the political system. The military was viewed as a pillar of the regime's stability, with its involvement in politics and governance contributing to the suppression of civil liberties.

What was the Reformasi movement of 1998, and what were its main demands?

The Reformasi movement in 1998 was a political movement aimed at ending Soeharto's authoritarian rule. One of its key demands was the abolition of the 'Dual Function of the Armed Forces' (Dwifungsi ABRI) and the return of the military to its primary role in defense, separating it from political affairs.

What was the outcome of the Reformasi movement in relation to the military's political role?

The Reformasi movement succeeded in overthrowing Soeharto's regime, and one of its significant outcomes was the reduction of the military's political power. The military was removed from political affairs, and the 'Dual Function' was effectively dismantled.

What is the significance of the 2004 Indonesian National Army law, and how does it relate to the military's role?

The 2004 Indonesian National Army law was a legislative measure that outlined the role of the military in Indonesia. The law’s revision, as mentioned in the transcript, was a key issue during the Reformasi movement, as it reflected the continued debate over the military's involvement in politics and governance.

How did the public and activists react to the revision of the TNI law in 2004?

Activists and the public were strongly opposed to the revision of the TNI law, fearing it would restore the military's political power and undermine civilian supremacy. Protests were organized, and there was a push to ensure the military returned to its non-political role in society.