TNI may take control of security affairs
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)