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TNI commander pledges to fight for soldiers' welfare
Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen
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ndonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Moeldoko has vowed to improve the welfare of soldiers by proposing an increase in remuneration. He confirmed that he had lobbied the government and members of the House of Representatives' Commission I overseeing defense.
'I'm aiming to raise remuneration by up to 60 percent,' Moeldoko said, as he gave directives to 2,339 soldiers and civil servants at the Soldiers Center at the Diponegoro Military Command IV in Semarang, Central Java, on Friday.
So far, improvements to the benefits paid to TNI personnel consist of additional allowances, which have been increased from Rp 30,000 (US$2.60) to Rp 60,000 per day for on-duty personnel and from Rp 25,000 to Rp 30,000 during training.
'Apart from that, planes are now used for the deployment of troops, as opposed to ships. In the past, it took 14 days to dispatch troops to Papua by ship,' he said.
In a dialogue with soldiers and civil servants within the TNI circle, it was reported that soldiers wished to be promoted prior to retirement.
'This is not a matter of jealousy. Police personnel and civil servants are promoted three months before they retire. Surely TNI personnel should receive the same treatment?' one of those attending the dialogue, Capt. Suyitno, said.
Moeldoko immediately responded to the proposal. 'We'll look at the rules first. Personally, I strongly agree. Why is promotion prior to retirement so difficult?' Moeldoko replied.
Another officer, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, proposed that the post of a regency or city military command chief should be aligned with the rank of major, which is on a par with a local police chief.
'I have no qualms about the proposal. A military command chief is a major, but it is currently only applied in tier-one cities,' Moeldoko said.
Regarding the procurement of a new weapons system, Moeldoko said he had provided training to soldiers so that they could operate the new weaponry.
'We are arranging everything, including doctrines to strengthen the TNI's training command. We have sent some soldiers to Singapore for training so that they can operate the new Leopard tanks,' he said.
At the same time, however, Moeldoko has urged all TNI personnel to continually enhance their performance.
'Every working unit must keep in mind the 'need of achievement'. Currently, I see that the 'need of achievement' within the government is very low. However, I urge every TNI officer to be prepared to serve their subordinates and the people,' he said.
'Battalion commanders should not think of making money. They must always focus on their role as soldiers. Don't think of when you can drive a BMW,' said Moeldoko, who graduated top of his class from the Military Academy in 1981.
He also referred to the Japanese bushido spirit, which essentially upholds loyalty. 'You won't be poor if you do good to your subordinates. The strength of a commander lies in his subordinates,' he said.
Separately, he said TNI neutrality in the political domain, especially with the presidential election approaching, had not been set explicitly. The government should have issued a strict ruling so that the TNI would remain neutral.
'I plan to propose a regulation on TNI neutrality for the presidential election. This is necessary so all TNI personnel remain truly neutral and do not get involved in politics,' Moeldoko added.
'During the legislative election back in April, the law was clear. The TNI was neutral and did not have voting rights, but in the upcoming presidential election, there is no firm rule yet.'
