TNI chief in hot water over remarks on electoral bid
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.