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Solidarity of TNI, Police and local governments matters
Solidarity among all elements of the nation will help Indonesia to recover from the multidimensional crises that have resulted from the pandemic and emerge as a stronger nation.
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“Lema wilin bothkemede wilin kumalkema enaru, aro kraal sasam itnye / Tuat sasamke ma tatehi, werke kwiake ota oli.”
The above two lines of a folksong from Tanimbar, Southeast Maluku, can be loosely translated as: “We are all in one boat with one rudder. / We split one rice cake between us all, and share the water that remains.”
The song should encourage each citizen to understand their strength as a community, and that each has the capacity to use their individual strengths to contribute to national solidarity and unity. This view and wisdom should apply to every component of the nation: civilian and military, men and women, even the young and the elderly.
Solidarity is key to life’s survival. In a society that is solid, each member understands, respects and loves one another. Solidarity also translates into a strong sense of brotherhood the binds together different groups, ethnicities, faiths, and even ways of thinking. Diversity enriches kinship and brings about unity, instead of becoming a source of conflict or animosity.
In the context of Indonesian diversity, solidarity cannot grow when individuals or groups force their wishes and interests on others or on the wider community. Such behavior will undoubtedly kill the seeds of communal and national solidarity.
The Indonesian Military (TNI) was established precisely to maintain, encourage and enhance national solidarity and unity. In fact, on a broader scope, the TNI is mandated to safeguard solidarity among citizens so it remains intact and persists as long as possible.
In building and encouraging solidarity to grow, the TNI plays a number of roles. First, the TNI is an institution that has since its inception possessed a single, noble objective: Defend Indonesia from all threats against the nation.
Why is Indonesia put in front? Doesn’t every soldier in every country have to defend their own country? Of course, armed forces around the world have a role in national defense. However, what is unique about the TNI is that it defends a nation-state that consists of hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. This is a country where its people adhere to many religions and beliefs. This is why many political experts and Indonesianists argue that the TNI is the component in the country that most upholds nationalism, national unity and territorial integrity.
Second, apart from being an institution that upholds the values of nationalism, unity and integrity, the TNI believes that it is inextricably tied to the people. Unity between the TNI and the people is a necessity. Without public trust, it is impossible for the TNI to defend the country. History shows that when the people of a country lose their trust in their soldiers, a national crisis follows.
Third, solidarity prevents hesitation in action. This rule applies to all groups. The TNI believes that solidarity within individual groups is not enough on its own to contribute to their biological mother, the people.
All in all, the TNI believes that all parties are part of this nation’s great solidarity. The TNI’s solidarity is translated by strengthening Indonesia’s national defense system and democracy.
As an institution the TNI, including its rank and file, has to consider and take actions that help strengthen national solidarity, and has guidelines for its soldiers on considering and supporting national solidarity.
First, TNI soldiers, wherever they are, must be role models for the people. Being a role model is a powerful weapon to encourage the nation to maintain solidarity and progress. As a role model, TNI soldiers strengthen unity between the TNI and the people, and gradually enable the armed forces to promote public participation in national defense.
Second, TNI soldiers should avoid actions that could bring harm to themselves, their units or the TNI, including in their areas of operation. Such actions will only undermine public confidence in the TNI.
Third, self-confidence is a great force in fostering solidarity and is extremely crucial during a state mission. Doubts disappear when self-confidence grows.
This guideline is more important than ever during the COVID-19 national health emergency. While maintaining physical distance is important, the TNI must not distance itself from this challenge. It must be ready and take part in problem solving.
Solidarity within the TNI is not enough if other elements of the nation fail to hold together in defense of the nation. The TNI believes that solid partnership with the National Police and local administrations is a requisite for defending Indonesia.
Solidarity among all elements of the nation will help Indonesia to recover from the multidimensional crises that have resulted from the pandemic and emerge as a stronger nation.
***
The writer is chief of general staff, Indonesian Military (TNI).
