SBY Reminds TNI to Uphold the Constitution and Avoid Practical Politics
Sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), expressed his hope that the TNI should not engage in practical politics. SBY hopes that the TNI remains neutral in democratic life.
SBY conveyed this during his speech at the Supermentor event organised by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) in the Kuningan area, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (14/4/2026). SBY initially recounted his experience handling an Indonesian-flagged ship that was hijacked in 2011 when he was President.
“I took a risk; it could have failed. If it failed, my political career would be over. But I calculated that we must protect our sovereignty, save our citizens, and rescue our ship. And that took several months because it was very far from Indonesia to Somalia, farther than from London to the Falklands or Malvinas. But we succeeded. I am proud of the TNI that carried out the task at that time because they were professional and fulfilled their constitutional mandate,” said SBY.
SBY then expressed his hope that the TNI does not enter practical politics. He also prayed for the TNI to become even stronger in the future.
“Therefore, as a former supreme commander, I pray that our TNI becomes even more victorious and stronger for our country in the future. As a former actor in the ABRI reform, remain true to your main duties according to the constitution. Do not enter practical politics. Remain neutral in democratic life, neutral in elections so that they are fair,” he said.
SBY emphasised that the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) belong to the people. The people, according to SBY, will be proud of a great TNI that also obeys democracy.
“Remember, the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency belong to the people, to all of us. We will be proud of a great, skilled TNI, but also one that obeys democracy and the rule of law,” he said.
Attending the event were Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), and Deputy Chairman of the MPR RI Eddy Soeparno. Also present were several ministers, deputy ministers, and a governor, namely Minister of Transmigration Iftitah Sulaiman, Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya, Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN Ossy Dermawan, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Stella Christie, as well as the Governor of West Sumatra Mahyeldi Ansharullah.