Soldiers' political right<\/p>\n
Indonesian Defense Force (TNI) commander, Gen. Endriartono
\nSutarto, said he would ask soldiers not to vote for any political
\nparty during the 2004 general election. He said his call was made
\nto prevent the military from disintegrating due to different
\npolitical aspirations.<\/p>\n
The TNI has been facing a dilemma as the soldier's right to
\nvote and to be elected into office is mentioned in the
\ngovernment-sponsored bill on general election. If the House of
\nRepresentatives passes the bill into a law, every political party
\nwill have the chance to fight for the vote of the military. The
\nsoldiers could become the target of political campaigns.<\/p>\n
Gen Endriartono's concern is thus realistic as he has strong
\nreasons.<\/p>\n
This daily has long said that it does not support the
\nsoldier's right to vote and to be elected into office because the
\nmilitary should defend the country, not any political party. The
\nmilitary should be made free from any vested interest and
\npolitical practice.<\/p>\n
It is thus better for the House of Representatives to get rid
\nof the soldiers' right to vote and to be elected in the bill.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/soldiers-political-right-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }