Election Special Forces

THERE is nothing wrong with retired army officers becoming members of presidential campaign teams. Since they are non-active, they are no longer bound by Law No. 43/2004 on the Indonesian Military, which bans soldiers from involvement in politics.

This law banning soldiers from taking up any political activity was drawn up by taking into account the fact that soldiers perform 'unusual' service to the nation. They are armed and command other men, so it was seen as dangerous if they are allowed to participate in the quest for power. And a cornerstone of the 1998 reforms was the need for civil supremacy-a doctrine that obliges soldiers to return to the barracks.