One Comment on “TNI Neutrality in Lebanon”

1. Mad Muhaa Says:
   September 3rd, 2006 at 7:35 am

   On military neutrality in peacekeeping missions, I have no doubt that the soldiers will stand up to their commissions and remain impartial. It is part of their training to maintain passive aloofness, disregarding whatever prejudices they may entertain in private, and simply do what are assigned by their commanders. Anyone still in uniform, whether military or the police or even your lowly Satpam (private security), lives by certain codes of conduct that nurture honor and dignity; those unable to cope with the rigid mechanical rules of the military would have been weeded out early in their careers. Soldiers may be unruly ruffians off-duty, but fatigue-donned they are different lot. Belligerence is out, even the smallest personal skirmishes are meticulously punishable by court martial. Short of being attacked point blank in utter impunity, regular soldiers everywhere will stand bravely suppressing emotions and wait for commands before pulling triggers. Having friends and acquaintances in the Indonesian Army, most of them uncommissioned privates and sergeants, I’d venture to say that every single one of them is no more eager to make troubles than you and I. And when the command is to keep peace between fighting parties, taking sides is making troubles.

   What about “their lack of respect for human rights and international law obligations in the past”? Let’s clear up some things. Timor Leste, Aceh, Jakarta ‘98, I suppose those places were then parts of Indonesia and therefore subject to national laws more than international ones. We well remember that national laws in those days concerned more on common economic improvement, sometimes to the deterrent of personal and group interest. The Army couldn’t help but taking harsh measures against those menacing public safety - it was in its commission. And no one, I trust, could say it was partial, as both liberals (PRD etc) and Islamic hotheads were crushed. But although times are changing, and the current Army is under incessant pressure to “demilitarize” itself, I hope it keeps the quality so dear to soldiers, namely the ability to withstand attacks and follow orders.

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