AHY Emphasises TNI, Police, and Civil Servants Must Remain Neutral During Elections

Democratic Party Chairman Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) has emphasised the importance of professionalism and neutrality for all state apparatus, particularly during election periods, to safeguard people’s sovereignty.

AHY made these remarks while revisiting the spirit of the Reformation era, which serves as the foundation of the Democratic Party. According to him, one of the vital mandates of the Reformation is ensuring that the TNI (National Armed Forces), Polri (National Police), intelligence services, law enforcement, Civil Servants (ASN), and all state apparatus stand above all groups and do not take sides in practical politics.

“The TNI, Polri, intelligence, law enforcement, ASN, and all state apparatus must be professional and neutral, including in every election. They all belong to the people, they belong to all of us,” said AHY during a political speech commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Democratic Party at the Democratic Party Headquarters in Central Jakarta, on Saturday (5/9).

The Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development reminded that the history of the Reformation should not be repeated as a period of crisis, but rather used as a lesson to ensure that power remains supervised and people’s sovereignty is respected.

“We remember history not to return to the past, but to take lessons for the future. That power must be monitored. The law must apply fairly. Corruption must be fought. And people’s sovereignty must be protected and respected,” he asserted.

He also added that state facilities should be used entirely for the interests of the people, and every election participant deserves fair treatment without intervention from the apparatus.

“Every election participant must receive fair treatment. Whoever wins must win because they have gained the trust of the people, and whoever loses must respect the will of the people,” AHY concluded.