The Indonesian military, known as the ABRI, had become a bastion for governmental stability in Indonesia since the retreat of its Dutch colonial masters. The birth of a politically and ethnically fragmented Indonesian nation-state saw the ABRI provide a much-needed sense of national institution and stability. The stability provided by the ABRI was provided by a range of forces and capabilities. This included overt military force, internal security operations, economic management, and direct political influence. While providing this stability the use of these forces also enhanced and confirmed the militaristic and authoritarian nature of the Indonesian government. This essay will address the role and operations of ABRI in suppressing any factions that would oppose the desired stability of Jakarta.
             The violent revolutionary birth of Indonesian politics created a realm where civilian input was overshadowed by the Indonesian military. The ABRI was always seen as the provider of the nation's independence and therefore a necessary component of government. This is reflected in the basic structure of both the legislative and executive branches of the Indonesian government. In that the military has a formal position of influence instead of a voting ability of individual members of the military.
             During the Sukarno era prior to the 1960s, the ABRI was used to reinforce the "Guided Democracy" regime, with its use of martial law and inclusion into government affairs. This direct ABRI representation continued into the Suharto era, including numerous senior military officers holding ministerial positions within the Suharto government. These positions are cumulatively known as the "Spiri" often had a focus on security-related portfolios and were seen as directly influencing government policy.
             The Spiri founded in 1966 continued the tradition of ABRI involvement in government and the wider political arena under the concept of "Dwifungsi" ...