TNI's wisdom

TNI's wisdom

From Neraca

Chief of Staff in Territorial Matters Lt. Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently stated that a political deadlock might occur in the presidential election. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a mechanism or procedure to prevent a deadlock in the coming General Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

How? The general suggested to the press at the Supreme Advisory Council building in Jakarta on June 21, that what needs to be developed is the way presidential candidates are nominated, and to vote with the principle of "one man one vote". Additionally, he raised the issue of whether there is a level-one and a level-two voting structure.

Yudhoyono further said that in the community the most important task requiring development was to build a consensus to invite the people to respect the mechanism of the presidential election. With regard to the best presidential candidate, the Indonesian Military (TNI) appears to leave the matter to the MPR, providing the process is transparent, healthy and democratic, because democracy is not discriminatory.

TNI's stance on the presidential criteria seems wise. They have not been communicated to the public. The criteria involve the election of one of the country's best citizens through a democratic process in which no differentiation between male and female candidates is made. The presidential candidate must have the capacity and absolute integrity to lead Indonesia.

I am relieved to learn of TNI's stance through its chief of staff in territorial matters, because there were rumors that if a political deadlock did occur, TNI would take over the leadership. That would mean Indonesia would become a military state. Now, it is clear TNI's stance is wise. May this country continue to be peaceful and blessed.

WANINDRA

Jakarta