01 January 2007
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and His Generals
Abstract
The Indonesian National Military (TNI, Tentera Nasional Indonesia) may no longer be the most dominant player in Indonesian politics but has pragmatically incorporated a strategy that enables it to play a significant “behind the scenes” role. The situation in Indonesia today has closer parallels with the state of civil military relations in Germany between the two World Wars or France in 1958.1 In analysing the TNI
relationship with the Yudhoyono presidency, this paper argues that Dr Yudhoyono enjoys the loyalty and trust of the TNI elite. The current relationship can be defined as partnership where the President protects the institutional interests of the TNI while insulating it from excessive reform measures that might impede its effectiveness and in return benefits from the assurance that the TNI will secure his Presidency.
Abstract
The Indonesian National Military (TNI, Tentera Nasional Indonesia) may no longer be the most dominant player in Indonesian politics but has pragmatically incorporated a strategy that enables it to play a significant “behind the scenes” role. The situation in Indonesia today has closer parallels with the state of civil military relations in Germany between the two World Wars or France in 1958.1 In analysing the TNI
relationship with the Yudhoyono presidency, this paper argues that Dr Yudhoyono enjoys the loyalty and trust of the TNI elite. The current relationship can be defined as partnership where the President protects the institutional interests of the TNI while insulating it from excessive reform measures that might impede its effectiveness and in return benefits from the assurance that the TNI will secure his Presidency.
