The Dwifungsi (dual function) doctrine, enforced during the New Order era (1966-1998), legitimized the military to partake in national politics and other non-military aspects, including having its own faction in parliament and participating in economic activities.
"There is no way we will restore the Dwifungsi doctrine as it was in the past, no way. Dwifungsi was one of the targets of our reform movement," Moeldoko emphasized after launching the second batch of the Presidential Staff School on Monday (May 22).
Moeldoko, the former Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) commander, said that the military had undergone reform, including changes to the doctrine that is embraced by all personnel and the military.
As the doctrine was revoked, the military abolished its social-political arm and all traditions related to it to bolster the professionalism of military personnel, he explained.
"All doctrines on social politics were gone, and as a consequence, we need to revamp the military structure. We previously had a social-political department head and assistants on social-political affairs -- all of them are gone," Moeldoko stated.
Meanwhile, the KSP chief affirmed that the military will continue to reform itself to cultivate professional military officers who will not intervene in or participate in politics.
He urged residents not to worry about the proposed law revision, as the military is committed to maintaining professionalism.
"There was a bias in the definition of 'professional' in the past, but it is no longer biased now because it is codified by law. Hence, I believe residents should not worry because the scope of 'professional' has been defined properly," Moeldoko remarked.
He also urged residents not to harbor concerns that the military would act excessively while holding civilian posts, as strong public oversight of TNI will prevent it from occurring.
Earlier, TNI's legal development agency developed a proposed amendment draft to Law No. 34 of 2004 on TNI.
One of the proposed revisions is to increase the number of ministerial and government agency posts where active military officers can serve, from 10 to 18.
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Anton Santoso
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