Indonesia Cannot Afford It's Military Budget:

December 17-2009:

The State Of Indonesia Cannot Afford It's Military Budget.

I was watching aljazeera.net tonight, where this topic was being discussed by one of it's anchors, and two interviewees. The anchor was contending that the Indonesian government currently, cannot afford to finance the entire apparatus of it's military institutions.

Historically, the military indulged in co-operatives and other legal and illegal operations to finance their coffers, and some filled their individual pockets too with the revenue earned.

Laws were passed by the current political administration for the military to surrender ownership and control, of all businesses they are managing or owns. But this seem to be quite an ordeal for the government, because most of those who serve therein, earn wages that are considered not commensurate to the risks they are exposed to, or for the National Security that they are liable to be called upon to uphold and defend in times of crisis.

So many indulge in undercover illegal dealings, that can be associated with those of the Mob or Drug Lords. Not only the Army is corrupted, but the entire military and para-military apparatus. Which sometimes indulge in activities that involves civilian deaths, harassment, abductions, and terror, with impunity.

Restructuring The Military:

What seems to be the solution to my mind are the following.

* A thorough assessment of the national defense needs of the Army, Navy, Maritime Corps, and Airforce.

* A thorough assessment of the National Police Precincts/Stations, Internal Security agencies, and Fire Fighting Brigades too.

Then deciding how large each segment or institution would be, could be financed, or is necessary in the overall National Security Construct.

* Then instituting some form of institutional and voluntary work programs within the Army, like Community/Housing developmental assistance, Road maintenance and Construction, Bridge building, and Disaster Preparation activities.

This MUST be instituted in order to keep these men and women meaningfully engaged/occupied.

Because an idle military contemplates mischief.

Derryck.
NYC.