'TNI banned from taking sides'

'TNI banned from taking sides'

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A top military official has said that
the Indonesian Military (TNI) will stay neutral ahead of the
direct election of regional administration heads in East Nusa
Tenggara province this year.

TNI personnel have been warned against mobilizing resources
and facilities to help one candidate, said chief of Udayana
Military Command overseeing eastern parts of Indonesia Maj. Gen.
Supiadin.

Soldiers are also banned from influencing the public in favor
of one candidate over another, he said in a statement read out
during the celebration of Wirasakti Military Resort Command's
44th anniversary in Kupang.

The statement was read by Col. Moeswarno Moesanip, the chief
of Wirasakti Military Command overseeing East Nusa Tenggara. The
direct election in the province this year will be held in six
regencies and municipalities. -- JP