ABRI to remain neutral in the 1997 general elections: Soesilo
ABRI to remain neutral in the 1997 general elections: Soesilo
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said yesterday that the Armed Forces (ABRI) would remain impartial in the 1997 general elections.
Supporting an earlier statement made by Minister of Defense and Security Gen.(ret.) Edi Sudrajat about the military's neutrality, Soesilo said the public shouldn't worry about ABRI's stance as it belongs to all people.
"ABRI comes from the people, was raised by the people and will serve the people," he said.
He said ABRI members would stay committed to the soldiers' oath and the mandate from the late Armed Forces Supreme Commander Gen. Soedirman that ABRI should be devoted to the people.
Soesilo's statement was the latest to be made by senior officials concerning the controversy that arose following Army Chief Gen. Hartono's earlier declaration that ABRI members are also cadres of the ruling Golkar organization.
On Monday, Edi told ABRI to remain impartial and to work with other sociopolitical forces, not just Golkar, to help develop the nation.
Hartono reportedly said that ABRI, which helped found Golkar in 1964, had a political interest in supporting Golkar to safeguard the 1945 Constitution and state ideology Pancasila.
Made during a Golkar gathering in Central Java earlier this month, the statement provoked protest from leaders of the minority United Development Party and Indonesian Democratic Party.
The statement has also prompted seemingly contradictory comments from senior officials. ABRI Chief of Social and Political Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid said Hartono made the statement in a personal capacity, while Armed Forces Commander said servicemen may become cadres of Golkar once they retire.
Feisal also said ABRI would issue an official statement on the controversy. The military leaders are currently holding a leadership meeting at ABRI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
Another senior official has denied speculations that the differences of opinion signified a growing conflict among military leaders.
Head of the State Intelligence Coordinating Body (BAKIN) Lt. Gen. (ret) M. Sudibyo said that what's really taking place is talks among the leaders, as part of the forces' commitment to improvement. (imn)