Jakarta – Former Army chief of staff General Ryamizard Ryacudu says there is a global plot to weaken the TNI (Indonesian military). This has been proven by the growing estrangement between the TNI and the people.

Ryacudu made the statement during a seminar titled “Developing Indonesian Civilisation” that was held at Nusantara Bangkit Bersatu on Sunday February 5 in Jakarta. “It can be seen by efforts to equate the TNI with the military of other countries. Whereas, a military in a [particular] country must have a uniqueness in order that it is not easily incapacitated”, he said.

The TNI as a people’s military is becoming more and more estranged from the people. On the other hand, the TNI does not have adequate weaponry. “The TNI is being ruined and weakened”, he said without mentioning which country is trying to ruin the TNI.

The previous government of President Megawati Sukarnoputri submitted Ryacudu’s name to the House of Representatives as a candidate for the position of TNI commander to replace General Endriartono Sutarto. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) however rescinded Megawati’s nomination and in the end nominated Navy chief of staff Admiral Djoko Suyanto as the new TNI commander.

When asked about Suyanto’s nomination, Ryacudu was reluctant to comment. But after been repeatedly pressured to answer he said only that “That’s my friend remember. I support [him]. The police are also my friends, the Navy is one wing [of the TNI], [former TNI chief] Wiranto is my friend, SBY as well”, he said briefly.

In the end however, Ryacudu offered a short message: “Make the TNI a military of its own country. Least our military become confused, is this Indonesia’s military or not”, he said. (sut)

[Translated by James Balowski.]