Short distance call from Indonesia

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Subject: Short distance call from Indonesia to Burma

Short distance call from Indonesia to Burma

By: John J. Brandon
Asian Age Newspaper, 17th June 1999

Jakarta: Recent elections in Indonesia appear to have ended almost half
a century of military-backed rule. Since President Suharto?s resignation
in May 1998, the day-to-day role of the armed forces in politics has
declined. Their neutrality in the recent election campaign was a
significant departure from the past.

The military retains clout. It could have a decisive say in choosing the
next President, given that no party will emerge from the elections with
a majority. Building a political coalition will be essential for the
country?s next leader. The military is likely to be an important factor
in such a coalition.

But the future role of the armed forces in politics will have to be
worked out in an increasingly pluralistic, democratic Indonesia. The
result could have a significant impact on military regimes or
military-backed governments elsewhere- especially in Burma where the
ruling junta looked to the Suharto government as a model.

While Indonesia seeks to become the world?s third largest democracy,
Burma has moved in the opposite direction. In 1990 it held its first
free elections in 30 years. But the military refused to honour the
result ­ an overwhelming victory for the National League for Democracy,
headed by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Winner of the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize,
she was kept under house arrest for six years. Her movements remain
strictly confined, and her party members have been repressed through
intimidation, imprisonment and torture.

Indonesia?s military realises that it does not have the expertise to
manage affairs of state in a sophisticated and modern world. Witness how
little the generals have offered in trying to solve Indonesia?a worst
economic crisis in more than 30 years.

The situation in Burma is different. When the regime that called itself
the State Law and Order Restoration Council was dissolved in November
1997, it recast itself as the State Peace and Development Council. The
Burmese military was signaling that it had no intention of relinquishing
power. Yet military rule is ultimately untenable in Burma, just as it
has proved to be in Indonesia.

Given the historical role of the army in both countries, the military
will have to play some role in development. The Indonesian generals see
the need to evolve a role for themselves in a political system that they

no longer dominate. They realise that if their country is to succeed in
an era of globalisation, the military will have to work with a more
open, democratic, civilian government.

Burma?s generals are not prepared to put this lesson into practice. In
the turbulent days leading to Mr. Suharto?s resignation, not a word was
mentioned about Indonesia in Burma?s official media. The state-run
newspapers carried only a small article about the resignation, which
made it appear as if he was stepping down in an orderly transfer of
power. There was no mention of students taking over the parliament
building in Jarkata, people rioting in the streets, and how Indonesia?s
economic crisis has helped participate President?s downfall.

This head-in-the-sand approach was no surprise. Burma?s military
government declared in 1993 that Mr. Suharto?s ?New Order? government
was a model worth emulating.

Burma is not as exposed as Indonesia is to foreign investments and
influence. So it is not as susceptible to international opinion, trends
and pressure. The Burmese military regime pays no attention to IMF
recommendations. Rangoon has defaulted on repayments of past loans from
the World Bank.

In the view of Burma?s generals, Mr. Suharto?s mistake was not crushing
demonstrations before they began. They will probably continue their
isolationist and repressive policies. But they need to understand that
threats instill obedience only temporarily, and that lasting authority
can come only from respect.

Indonesia?s elections are an attempt to bring legitimacy, and thus
long-term stability, to government. Indonesia?s generals are beginning
to learn this lesson, albeit slowly and reluctantly. If Burma?s generals
want their nation to realise its potential, they need to learn this
lesson as well.

John J. Brandon is the assistant director of The Asia Foundation, a
private aid group in Washington. By arrangement with International
Herald Tribune.
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