TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bid<\/p>\n
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's
\ncomment, that servicemen would be able to contest in the regional
\nleadership elections without first having to resign, has raised
\nconcerns over the return of the military to practical politics.<\/p>\n
Imparsial, a non-governmental organization focusing on
\nmilitary reform, condemned Endriartono's remark, which is against
\nLaw No. 34\/2004 on the military that bans soldiers from
\ninvolvement in politics -- both in the legislative and executives
\nbranches.<\/p>\n
He cited Article 39 of the military law that prohibits
\nIndonesian soldiers from becoming members of a political party,
\nbeing involved in politics and business practices, participating
\nin the elections to win legislative seats and other political
\njobs.<\/p>\n
In a recent press conference held at TNI headquarters,
\nEndriartono said that he would allow soldiers to run in the
\nregional elections, but underlined they must tender a request to
\ntheir superiors to be non-active during the election process.<\/p>\n
He said the policy was aimed at preventing the servicemen from
\ntaking advantage of their positions, in the elections.<\/p>\n
The four-star general sent last week a telegram to military
\nheadquarters nationwide, informing military chiefs of the policy.<\/p>\n
Rusdi said the policy violates the regional administration
\nlaw, which stipulates that civil servants, TNI and National
\nPolice officers must resign to run in the elections.<\/p>\n
He was referring to Article 59 (g) of Law No. 32\/2004.<\/p>\n
Rusdi said the soldiers would not be able to stop themselves
\nfrom abusing their positions and the non-active status would be
\nanother "political privilege".<\/p>\n
The Army claims that none of its officers have officially
\ntendered a request to be non-active, but Rusdi questioned the
\nTNI's neutrality in monitoring the elections when "its officers
\nare allowed to participate in the contest."<\/p>\n
He further accused Endriartono of providing a new political
\narena for the soldiers, instead of pushing for the TNI's internal
\nreform, which was aimed at preventing the institution from
\nparticipating in day-to-day politics.<\/p>\n
Leadership elections for governors, mayors and regents will be
\nheld in 11 provinces and 215 regencies and mayoralties in June.<\/p>\n
However, critics have suggested that in conflict-prone areas,
\nand those recently hit by natural disasters, the election process
\nwill not be without problems.<\/p>\n
In conjunction with several related institutions -- the
\npolice, the TNI and prosecutor's offices nationwide -- the
\nMinistry of Home Affairs' direct regional elections desk has set
\nup a team to monitor the elections.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tni-chief-in-hot-water-over-remarks-on-electoral-bid-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}