Jakarta Election, TNI: Major Agus Yudhoyono Must Resign

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Major Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono is required to remove his active position in the Army of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The ‘Kinship Coalition’ elected Agus and the Deputy Governor of the Tourism and Culture Ministry, Sylviana Murni, this early morning as candidates for governor and deputy governor of the upcoming Jakarta Gubernatorial Elections.

“According to the TNI constitution No. 34/2004, a member of the Army who nominates themselves (at the elections), would have to propose a resignation application,” Tatang Sulaiman told Tempo Friday, Spetember 23, 2016. 

According to Tatang Sulaiman, Major General of the Indonesian National Army, Agus’ resignation can be processed as soon as possible, parallel to his registration process at the Jakarta Regional Elections Commission (KPUD). “If he (Agus) is already assigned as a candidate (of the regional elections) by KPUD, he will automatically (resign from the TNI).”

The rule is a mandatory in the TNI institution to preserve a neutral position.

“So when the person conduct a campaigning activity, or during the election process later, there will not be any TNI attribute,” Tatang explained. 

Agus and Sylviana was announced to be endorsed by the Cikeas coalition that consists of Democrat Party, PPP, PKB, and PAN on Friday early morning. Other than Agus, Sylviana is also confirmed to resign from her position. Both of their registrations at Jakarta KPUD is planned to take place tonight.

YOHANES PASKALIS