Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang

Draft of law on National Security was discussed at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM), Saturday (1/14). The event hosted by the UMM Rector, Muhadjir Effendy, presented the Directorate General of Defense Strategy of Kemenhan, Mayjend TNI Puguh Santoso and the General Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Din Syamsudin. Both of them delivered stadium general.

 

In addition, at the session of Focus Group Discussion (FGD), some experts gave their views. Among others were Chief of R & D of PP Muhammadiyah, Dr. Riefki Muna; two teams from Kemenhan, Dr. Agus Brotoseno and Dr. Nugraha; and Dirkomat Dirjen Strahan; and Dirkum Dirjen Strahan Kemenhan RI.

 

Din stated about the commitment of Muhammadiyah in developing a better state system, including the National Security Bill. He would give the best if Muhammadiyah were involved. Unfortunately, though Muhammadiyah is known as a great mass organization, its voice is often ignored by the government and the parliament. "This bill is our interest because it involves our national security, not just state security," said Din.

 

Furthermore, Din said, in every episode of this nation's history, Muhammadiyah has always appeared to give a major contribution. In developing the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution, for example, the Chairman of Muhammadiyah, Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, came to formulate and propose three important words, ie “educate the life of the nation”. "At the same time, Ki Bagus were also designing Muqoddimah of AD / ART Muhammadiyah. For historians, please conduct a content analysis of those two texts. I'm sure it will be interesting," said Din.

 

Din argued that the present of National Security Act is very urgent since currently Indonesia does not have two things. First, it is self-defense mechanism from both physical and cultural subversion threats. Second, it is national strategy concerning cultural strategy, strategy of civilization, including security strategy to deal with a swift and rapid change. "The Kamnas Law is expected to be the part of the national strategy although the bill is currently still to be assessed more comprehensively," said Din as he commissioned the campus and R & D of Muhammadiyah to give maximum contribution to the bill.

 

Moreover, Din said that reform has spawned sectoral egoism which creeps to be social conflict. Ironically, capital violence has conspired with state violence which is supported by the police. Cases in Mesuji, Bima, and Timika were the evidences of the capital and state violence threats. "That's why we need national security system," said Din.

 

However, Din denied allegation of re-militarization. He cautioned that the Act should not allow the military to go in too far, but he was sure it would not happen. Thus, he asked academicians and students to criticize the Kemnas Bill.

 

In line with Din, Director General of Strahan, Mayjend TNI Puguh Santoso said there are still many problems to be solved in managing the national security system. The system was not only dealing with tackling terrorism or border issue by using 'dar der dor' (military), but also regarding the appointment of vocal point-in-charge professionally. "We need civic military coordination (CIMIC)," he said.

 

According to Puguh, talking about security is a nature of life. "How to secure this country is a form of the man himself. It is about how far the goals are and how capable the existing energy is and then it is formed with the thought process as a servant of God. Our journey should be able to realize these ideals," said Puguh.

 

Opening of the 1945 Constitution, said the Director General, mandates the state to protect the whole Indonesian nation and the entire homeland of Indonesia as well as promotes the general welfare, educates the life of the nation and participates in the establishment of the world life which is based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice. To make it happen, there has been also Acts which associate with the security laws, namely Act No. 39, Act No. 2 on Police, Act No. 3 on Defense, Act No. 34 on TNI. "However, the question is whether the Acts are interrelated. It is because they are technical and operational law," said Puguh. If there is no association, how can the Act work?

 

Meanwhile, two teams of Kemenhan; lecturer at the Faculty of Law of the University of Indonesia, Dr. Agus Brotoseno; and Dr. Nugraha, gave appreciation to Muhammadiyah through UMM which on its participation in criticizing the Kamnas Bill. Criticality of students during the session made them impressed. "I am lecturer at UI, but I admit that UMM students are far more critical," said Agus Brotoseno. It is important since Muhammadiyah is the great power owned by this nation. Muhammadiyah feels its ownership towards the Bill and donate its ideas for it. (bib/nas/t_alf)