Military and Democracy
Indonesia's military rule at odds with everyday citizens
Fifty years after independence Indonesia's military shows no sign of releasing its stranglehold on the country. The Army still devotes a large amount of effort to quashing internal threats from its own citizens. Almost every civilian level of Government is mirrored by a military equivalent and even tiny villages report to a military ruler.
Student demonstrators take to the streets calling for freedom for the people. Former leaders like General Soemitro are joining those who criticise the military's role. In court, activists including lawyer Abnan Nastuion cheer as they win a case. Fed up with the army's domination they are forcing high profile cases, like the sacking of dissident Arif Burriman from his university post, into the spotlight. At the army's Military Academy in Central Java, recruits are taught to see themselves as the people's army, guiding Indonesians down a path of economic and political development. Their army has proved to be an effective and at times oppressive means of social control.
Produced by ABC Australia
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