The Dynamics of Change: Regeneration of the Indonesian Army

The Indonesian Army is the largest among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Given Indonesia's critical strategic location, its moderate voice in non-aligned councils, and its importance for economic investment and as a market and source of raw materials, it is important that its internal security be stable and enlightened leadership in charge of its armed forces. From Independence in 1945 through the early 1980's, Indonesia's Armed Forces were led by men from the Generation of 1945 who fought against the Dutch for independence. By 1980 they reached or passed mandatory retirement age and a new generation of leaders, products of the national military academies, was poised to rise into important military leadership posts. The essay looks at the background of the Indonesian Army and its philosophy of leadership and role in society, and examines the orderly process of generational change in the Army. A series of appendices follows the rotation of virtually the entire Army general officer corps and examines the meaning of such massive changes for the future of the Army leadership.