Dwifungsi
Encyclopedia
Dwifungsi was a doctrine implemented by Suharto's military-dominated "New Order"
government in Indonesia
following the removal of President Sukarno
. Dwifungsi was used to justify the military permanently increasing its influence in the Indonesian government, including reserved military-only seats in the parliament, and top positions in the nation's public service.
, the Army accepted civilian rule. As the weaknesses of political system became apparent, officers increasingly felt they had a responsibility to involve themselves in politics to "save the nation". When martial law
was declared in 1957, the Army expanded its role into political economic and administrative areas.
Army chief-of-staff Nasution
was keen to continue this after martial law lifted, and therefore developed the "Middle Way" concept in which Army would neither try to take power nor remain inactive.
From 25-31 August 1966, the Second Army Seminar was held. The attendees were senior Army officers and more than 100 participants from the Staff and Command College (SESKOAD). It revised the Army doctrine, which was seen as containing too much communist influence. This new doctrine laid down the Army's non-military function, namely "to participate in every effort and activity of the people in the field of ideology, politics and economics and the socio-cultural field"
It also produced a document entitled "The Army's Contribution of Ideas to the Ampera Cabinet". This had two parts:
, the army was able to enmesh itself into all levels of Indonesian society, in a manner that reached its peak in the 1990s, but remains strong. Military officers during Suharto's presidency held key positions in all levels of government in Indonesia, including city mayor, provincial government, ambassadorships, state-owned corporations, the judiciary, and Suharto's cabinet. The current president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
is a former army officer.
New Order (Indonesia)
The New Order is the term coined by former Indonesian President Suharto to characterize his regime as he came to power in 1966. Suharto used this term to contrast his rule with that of his predecessor, Sukarno...
government in Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
following the removal of President Sukarno
Sukarno
Sukarno, born Kusno Sosrodihardjo was the first President of Indonesia.Sukarno was the leader of his country's struggle for independence from the Netherlands and was Indonesia's first President from 1945 to 1967...
. Dwifungsi was used to justify the military permanently increasing its influence in the Indonesian government, including reserved military-only seats in the parliament, and top positions in the nation's public service.
Origins
After the 1949 transfer of sovereigntyIndonesian National Revolution
The Indonesian National Revolution or Indonesian War of Independence was an armed conflict and diplomatic struggle between Indonesia and the Dutch Empire, and an internal social revolution...
, the Army accepted civilian rule. As the weaknesses of political system became apparent, officers increasingly felt they had a responsibility to involve themselves in politics to "save the nation". When martial law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
was declared in 1957, the Army expanded its role into political economic and administrative areas.
Army chief-of-staff Nasution
Abdul Haris Nasution
In this Indonesian name, the name "Nasution" is a family name, and the person should be referred to by the family name "Nasution".Abdul Haris Nasution was an Indonesian general who was twice appointed Army Chief of Staff and who escaped an assassination attempt during the...
was keen to continue this after martial law lifted, and therefore developed the "Middle Way" concept in which Army would neither try to take power nor remain inactive.
From 25-31 August 1966, the Second Army Seminar was held. The attendees were senior Army officers and more than 100 participants from the Staff and Command College (SESKOAD). It revised the Army doctrine, which was seen as containing too much communist influence. This new doctrine laid down the Army's non-military function, namely "to participate in every effort and activity of the people in the field of ideology, politics and economics and the socio-cultural field"
It also produced a document entitled "The Army's Contribution of Ideas to the Ampera Cabinet". This had two parts:
- Plan for political stabilization
- Plan for economic stabilization
Implementation
Through dwifungsi and the "New Order" political vehicle, GolkarGolkar
The Party of the Functional Groups is a political party in Indonesia. It is also known as Sekber Golkar . It was the ruling party during Suharto's regime...
, the army was able to enmesh itself into all levels of Indonesian society, in a manner that reached its peak in the 1990s, but remains strong. Military officers during Suharto's presidency held key positions in all levels of government in Indonesia, including city mayor, provincial government, ambassadorships, state-owned corporations, the judiciary, and Suharto's cabinet. The current president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono AC , is an Indonesian politician and retired Army general officer who has been President of Indonesia since 2004....
is a former army officer.