TNI reasserts neutrality in presidential election

TNI reasserts neutrality in presidential election

Kurniawan Hari, Jakarta

The Indonesian Military (TNI) gave an assurance on Tuesday that
its members would maintain their neutrality in the presidential
election in a bid to prevent political affiliations from
hampering the reform process in the institution.

TNI chief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto said at the House of
Representatives on Tuesday that he hoped the neutrality of the
military would also help encourage a fair election.

"We are taking this stance in an attempt to save the nation,"
he told a hearing with House Commission I for defense and
security affairs here on Tuesday.

According to the amended Constitution active members of the
TNI and police share a constitutional right to vote but they may
not be elected.

Endriartono added that the TNI's neutrality had also been
shown through his rejection of an offer to be the running mate of
certain presidential candidates. The Commission members
immediately expressed support for the TNI stance.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu revealed that he
had also instructed members of the Army to remain neutral, to
prevent political bias affecting its professionalism.

The candidacy of former military chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto and
Gen. (ret) Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, a former armed forces chief
of sociopolitical affairs, for the presidential election on July
5, has raised allegations that the military will be partial
toward the candidates. Also, demonstrations have been held in
various cities accusing the TNI of wanting to return to power. In
the past the military wielded influence together with Golkar, the
political machine of the former New Order regime.

Citing reports, legislator Nadhier Muhammad of the United
Development Party (PPP) said that some commanders of district
military commands had indicated support of certain presidential
candidates with military backgrounds.

Ryamizard said he had found the reports groundless.

"That is not true. If we find some military officers have
taken sides, we shall impose strict punishment," he said.

In a meeting, he said, he had summoned high-ranking Army
officers and instructed them to remain neutral in the election,
while placing his pistol on the table.

"All of you must be neutral; if not, I have a pistol. But if
your families have political preferences, I think that would be
OK," he added, without detailing further what would face any
member exercising his constitutional right.

Endriartono added that if the military was seen to support any
candidate, his or her legitimacy would be tainted and thus also
hurt the legitimacy of the new government, which is expected in
October at the latest.

The military chief also called on Wiranto and Susilo, the
retired military officers among the candidates, against
mobilizing active military members for their benefit. The two
have pledged that they have no such intention.