The World - News from Feb. 21, 1988

An Indonesian parliamentary committee announced agreement on legislation enshrining the role of the military in the country’s political life. Texts of the two bills have not been published, but Defense Minister S. Poniman said they codify the army’s role in politics and defense that has marked the regime of President Suharto since he came to power 22 years ago. Diplomats said the legislation, which is expected to be approved Monday, is intended to hand over to a successor generation a system that guarantees the military’s role in politics and ensures Indonesia’s stability.