Makassar, South Sulawesi (ANTARA Sulsel) - Indonesia`s military (TNI) has stated that it will be neutral in the general elections in April next year.
Its commander, General Moeldoko reiterated the commitment here on Sunday at the 2nd reunion meeting with members of the Infantry Battalion 700/Raider of the Wirabuana Military Command.
"I reiterated that TNI`s neutrality is not only a must but would absolutely be implemented. Soldiers especially commanders must know what neutrality means," he said.
Neutrality means TNI would not support one of the candidates in the general elections or provide facilities such as rooms, vehicles and others to candidates, he said.
Regarding the emergence of retired army generals ahead of the elections such as Prabowo and Wiranto he said TNI would remain consistent with its commitment.
"Soldiers must know how to be neutral. Anyone violating the rule will be given a harsh sanction," he said.
Besides being neutral Moeldoko said TNI is also committed to assure the security of the implementation of the general elections and in connection with that TNI has communicated with the police with regard to assuring smooth implementation of the elections.
TNI has been conducted cooperation with the police including creating standard operating procedures.
He said the army, the navy and the air force have all been made ready to back up the police.
"We have trained personnel who would be assigned to back up the police," he added.
With regard to distribution of ballots he said TNI has also been ready to help it according the law. He said the army, the navy and the air force have enough equipment to help carry out the task.
"What is important now is adjusting the schedules with the KPU (General Elections Commission) so that we will not be blamed in case of a late shipment. In essence we are ready to contribute positively for the smooth implementation of the general elections," he said. Yosep/A Abdussalam
Its commander, General Moeldoko reiterated the commitment here on Sunday at the 2nd reunion meeting with members of the Infantry Battalion 700/Raider of the Wirabuana Military Command.
"I reiterated that TNI`s neutrality is not only a must but would absolutely be implemented. Soldiers especially commanders must know what neutrality means," he said.
Neutrality means TNI would not support one of the candidates in the general elections or provide facilities such as rooms, vehicles and others to candidates, he said.
Regarding the emergence of retired army generals ahead of the elections such as Prabowo and Wiranto he said TNI would remain consistent with its commitment.
"Soldiers must know how to be neutral. Anyone violating the rule will be given a harsh sanction," he said.
Besides being neutral Moeldoko said TNI is also committed to assure the security of the implementation of the general elections and in connection with that TNI has communicated with the police with regard to assuring smooth implementation of the elections.
TNI has been conducted cooperation with the police including creating standard operating procedures.
He said the army, the navy and the air force have all been made ready to back up the police.
"We have trained personnel who would be assigned to back up the police," he added.
With regard to distribution of ballots he said TNI has also been ready to help it according the law. He said the army, the navy and the air force have enough equipment to help carry out the task.
"What is important now is adjusting the schedules with the KPU (General Elections Commission) so that we will not be blamed in case of a late shipment. In essence we are ready to contribute positively for the smooth implementation of the general elections," he said. Yosep/A Abdussalam