Back in mid-January 2006, in a regular meeting between the Defense Ministry, the Commander of the Defense Force and the three service chiefs, agreement was reached that given the circumstances facing Indonesia’s location within “the Ring of Fire”, the Defense Force (TNI) would concentrate more on “military operations other than war” rather than focusing defense outlays beefing up its on strike forces. “Professionalism” of the military in the narrow sense was out of the question anyway since the “total defense and security” doctrine (sishankamrata) which Indonesia espoused since the revolutionary years of 1945-1950 obliged every Indonesian citizen to take part in the total defense and security of the country.
Now that the Indonesian Government is now simultaneously undertaking recovery and rehabilitation problems following the earthquake in Yogyakarta and Central Java of May 27 (6000 plus dead), the recent tsunami of July 17 in West and Central Java (550 plus dead), followed by the recent July 23 quake in Gorontalo in Sulawesi, the TNI is again gearing up to prepare its limited resources to deal with yet another natural disaster.
Never have the role of the TNI been more crucial and more pertinent than at the present time. Despite being underpaid, under equipped and chronically under-funded, I have never been so proud of the tireless efforts of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines in being always first on the scene in each of these natural disasters. The exemplary behaviour of soldiers, non-coms and officers of all three services attest to the adage that the Indonesian Defense Force is always “first in war, first in peace and first in emergency relief efforts.” Indeed, many domestic and foreign observers acknowledge that the TNI is the mainstay of the government’s delivery system crucial to the success of the emergency response coordinated by the government through the office of the Vice President.
But every new crisis brings a silver lining. There are always new ways for the TNI soldiers, sailors and airmen to improvise aid efforts, new methods of coordination arising from the esprit de corps that come from every emergency situation. There are always efficiency measures thrust upon units of the TNI as each logistical problem arises on the ground.
I have always explained to my foreign colleagues about the ways and means of improvisation that the common Indonesian soldier comes up with since the days immediately after the tsunami of December 26, 2004. Some colleagues abroad criticise that the total defense and security doctrine is “out of date” and that it hampers professionalism. But I maintain that the TNI never sought to submit itself to the notion of the dead hand of “professionalism” in the Western sense. In fact, total defense and security is never going to be out of date. You only have to ask the villagers in West and Central Java. And the people in Gorontalo. For every crisis brings out the best in the TNI non-military role. Saving lives and giving hope is (military) professionalism at its best.. There are going to be more dangers, yes. But there are also opportunities, too. Every crisis is a challenge.
I have to say that our soldiers (TNI) are always on the first line in helping victims of disaster in Indonesia. I have seen it by myself. And we have to be proud that it is the difference between soldiers in Indonesia and other countries.
A few days before, I have met soldiers helping victims of tsunami in Pangandaran.And they helped a lot. Fortunately,,our soldiers have other value.
It is such a relief to hear about the professionalism of our soldiers in the field despite their imbalanced return from government. Can’t be so proud of them!
After all, I wish TNI concentrate more on the military and humanitarian operations in the future rather than politics.
the recent Tsunami death tolls indicates that SBY has “failed” in administering emergency preparedness.
It has been 19 months since the massive Tsunami of January 2005. Such a period of time is more than enough to do risk & hazard assessment based on what happened in the past.
With all due respect: I’d say SBY must immediately resign for he has failed to administer emergency preparedness. In Japan, someone who has failed in that capacity is expected to commit harakiri.
Is SBY going to take responsibility? At least one official head must be punished for failure to save 500+ lives in the greater Pangandaran.
Sir, I think this kind of heartening news should be broadcasted more often by the media. It is definitely much more important than the news about bizarre reporting of celebrities to the police by the FPI, MPI and FBR. Those news only made many people feel paranoid, uncomfortable and shifted the focus from the more urgent matter.
I wish our government has the courage to clarify the differences between democracy, morality, and anarchist practices so all the commotions can be legally restrained. After all, I think it does affect the political, social and economic stability of Indonesia which can be a hindrance for the long-term relief effort.
Nonetheless, I’m glad our soldiers did not lose their focus and used their skills to handle the crises. Congratulation!
19 months might seems a very long time, but considering the complex problem our country is facing, i would say that 19 months is very short time..
don’t compare Indonesia to any other country, because we are uniqe in our own way..
I absolutely agree that TNI always be in the first line in every disaster aid and that kind of role has been played for a long time. But, I still view that the number one thing TNI must provide to us is its capability to protect our beloved country Indonesia and every single milimeter square of our land.
Frankly speaking, Im not proud of what TNI gave in helping natural disaster victims while at other area TNI have no power in protecting our border and land. I will be very proud if TNI can do both of that function. And, as I have stated in my comment on your military business article, the budget for TNI or Defense Sector has to be increased.
Great blog keep it up
every disaster a challenge.. and a bunch of lessons to learn
challenge or sign? maybe the most important thing is that the government must take care off victim of every disaster seriously. Stop corrupting donation, etc.
Mr. Minister,
Focusing TNI to military operations other than war (MOOTW) really needs a lot of heavy equipment for the three services.
I just want to remind you to buy and use as much as possible those produced domestically be it airplanes, backhoes, loaders, ships or trucks.
While these equipment may be more expensive (due to domestic industrial inefficiency), buying national products do have more merits than importing them.
Among other things, the money stays here (although it may find its way abroad) and the companies may need more employees to fulfill the orders.
But perhaps I am just oversimplifying the complex reality of procurement.
Hello Sir ! It’s good to know one of our Minister is blogging ! I’d like to say right now Indonesia is having a very very bad luck this year.I’m just hoping that everything is under control by the government.
By the way, how could possibly happen that BRR ( Badan Rekonstruksi dan Rehabilitasi ) Aceh and Nias have permission to import several dangerous things,sir. Such as nucklear and other heavy war equipments ?
This is cannot be tolerated sir ! You have to act quickly about this ! We need peace ! I hope you could do your job sir ! Thank you !
Oh..by the way, is there an option to change this blog into Indonesian version ??? why just make your blog in 2 versions,sir ? In english language dan Indonesian language ?
To Roby,
Please read the following link from http://www.detiknews.com on import permits for BRR.
The problem was caused by the use of two-digit Harmonized System (HS) which is too general.
The new import license uses four-digit HS which is much more accurate.
http://www.detiknews.com/index.php/detik.read/tahun/2006/bulan/08/tgl/01/time/154120/idnews/647688/idkanal/10
What is HS? Hehehe it’s your job to find out 😛
Right, Roby need not worry. The import warrant for “defense equipment” for the BRR was restricted to heavy duty engineering equipment (dump trucks, cranes, removal trucks) for clearing and reconstruction.
I have been informed by the ministries of industry and of trade that the attachment list included errors in incorporating “nuclear weapons” and other “lethal equipment.” This error has been rectified.
Great initiative !
French people would appreciate that members of the government express themselves as freely. As you may know, political transparency isn’t at its best in our country.
Mr. Sudarsono, you’ve got it all ! & Ms. Alliot-Marie, take example !
oh my god,
it is military or social worker ? It can decrease sense of attact in military.
Kritik Roy Suryo terhadap Situs Juwono Sudarsono
Setelah membaca keseluruhan artikel tersebut, saya melihat bahwa artikel tersebut memuat sebuah komentar yang sangat dangkal. Lebih hebatnya lagi, yang mengemukakan pendapat adalah seorang yang oleh media mendapat predikat sebagai pakar telematika. Men…
I agree with your statement that every disaster is a challenge. I believe that even though the TNI is very limited in its resources, but it has done great works in non-military operations.
But what about the governmnet as a whole? How prepared is the current administration to tackle the threats from the “ring of fire”?
Look at the 17 July tsunami. The government should have learnt alots from the 2004 Aceh tsunami and get itself prepared for any eventual similar disasters in the archipelago. 19 months is a long time.
No tsunami warning system is yet to be working along the dangerous coastal lines in the archipelago. Similarly, the government has not been able to educate and inform the people about the threats from natural calamity like tsunami. Now, the govt is planning to “speed up” the process of this project and is expected to complete it before 2009, or 2008 if what Menristek can still be trusted.
2008/09 = general elections = political campaign = retaining status quo
What a perfect timing and poor TNI, with the limited resources, they have to be at the frontline at all time, be it in wars or in saving the lives of the people during natural disasters.
Anyway, Hidup TNI 🙂
We are very grateful of the role of TNI concerning the participation of TNI pasca natural disasters, but I want to bring upon another matter concerning about disasters caused by humans.
Specifically disasters causing damage to the environment (exploitation of rainforest, fish stealing in the ocean and so on). These are controllable happenings yet seems to happen that, every moment we hear bad things happening to Indonesia´s environment. Sure TNI could fix that too.