When Indonesian President Criticized by His Military Personnel

sumber: http://www.kompas.com/
http://english.kompas.com/read/2010/09/07/19475550/When.Indonesian.President.Criticized.by.His.Military.Personnel


BANJARBARU, KOMPAS.com - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's leadership was criticized by his military personnel. Adjie Suradji, an officer of Indonesian Air Force, dared himself to write an open critic to the president in an article published by Kompas daily on Monday.


In his article "Pemimpin, Keberanian, dan Perubahan" (Leader, Courage, Change), the colonel questioned SBY' courage as supreme military leader in taking a firm action over cases needing his leadership role. The fighter pilot also argued SBY' leadership role in running his government.

Adjie Suradji's move was against the tradition in Indonesian military especially when the critic was targeted on supreme military leader held by a president. However, the courage of former Syamsudin Noor airbase commander to make that move was saluted by his junior in airforce as well as public on Twitter and other media.

"I have never known him but he is my senior for sure. I have never met him or even known his ideas and work programs dealing with his article," said Lieutenant Colonel Singgih Hadi, commander of Syamsudin Noor airbase who admitted his senior's move was a courageous one. Furthermore, it was exposed in an open statement in public.

Adjie Suradji who was then in rank of Lieutenant Colonel ever held the position of the airbase located in Banjarmasin from 1997-1997.

Military Chief General Djoko Santoso instructed Airforce Chief of Staff Marshal Imam Sufa'at to investigate and ground Adjie Suradji. Adjie's move was considered violating ethical code as a military officer.