TNI may take control of security affairs

KARAWANG, West Java (JP): Army chief of staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto warned on Monday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) would take control of security affairs from the National Police if the political situation deteriorates into chaos.

"We (the TNI) must guard the nation if a chaotic situation erupts ... We are not going to let it occur nationwide. The nation's interests are paramount," Endriartono told journalists after presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command's (Kostrad) new intelligence platoon unit, Tontaikam, at Sangga Buana, Karawang, West Java.

Endriartono stressed, however, that the TNI would only act within the confines of the law, and "under a legal and political umbrella".

He further underlined that such action would only be carried out in an effort to maintain security, and not in an attempt to acquire power.

Endriartono's remarks came amid heightened political tension which has pitted the President against the House of Representatives.

The situation has become increasingly tense as street protests, ethnic conflict and armed separatism have emerged across the nation.

Even Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed concern on Sunday that the nation could collapse if questions over the national leadership, stability and security are not quickly resolved.

Endriartono emphasized on Monday that national integrity and sovereignty means everything to the TNI, and that it would not allow anything to threaten those basic tenets.

"If peaceful measures fail to settle problems and the government is not willing to impose a military emergency, even though it could ... then of course we are not going to let it happen," Endriartono asserted.

When asked whether the political elite have approached or lobbied TNI top brass for assistance in maintaining security in the event of a national leadership change, Endriartono maintained that he had "never held a meeting with the political elite".

"Even if they asked us and tried to lobby us, we would reject it since we are not in a capacity to support or to make specific political powers victorious".

"Our concern is the nation's interests. The TNI must save this nation," Endriartono asserted. (02)