TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bid
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Endriartono Sutarto's comment, that servicemen would be able to contest in the regional leadership elections without first having to resign, has raised concerns over the return of the military to practical politics.
Imparsial, a non-governmental organization focusing on military reform, condemned Endriartono's remark, which is against Law No. 34/2004 on the military that bans soldiers from involvement in politics -- both in the legislative and executives branches.
He cited Article 39 of the military law that prohibits Indonesian soldiers from becoming members of a political party, being involved in politics and business practices, participating in the elections to win legislative seats and other political jobs.
In a recent press conference held at TNI headquarters, Endriartono said that he would allow soldiers to run in the regional elections, but underlined they must tender a request to their superiors to be non-active during the election process.
He said the policy was aimed at preventing the servicemen from taking advantage of their positions, in the elections.
The four-star general sent last week a telegram to military headquarters nationwide, informing military chiefs of the policy.
Rusdi said the policy violates the regional administration law, which stipulates that civil servants, TNI and National Police officers must resign to run in the elections.
He was referring to Article 59 (g) of Law No. 32/2004.
Rusdi said the soldiers would not be able to stop themselves from abusing their positions and the non-active status would be another "political privilege".
The Army claims that none of its officers have officially tendered a request to be non-active, but Rusdi questioned the TNI's neutrality in monitoring the elections when "its officers are allowed to participate in the contest."
He further accused Endriartono of providing a new political arena for the soldiers, instead of pushing for the TNI's internal reform, which was aimed at preventing the institution from participating in day-to-day politics.
Leadership elections for governors, mayors and regents will be held in 11 provinces and 215 regencies and mayoralties in June.
However, critics have suggested that in conflict-prone areas, and those recently hit by natural disasters, the election process will not be without problems.
In conjunction with several related institutions -- the police, the TNI and prosecutor's offices nationwide -- the Ministry of Home Affairs' direct regional elections desk has set up a team to monitor the elections.