TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Veterans Association (Pepabri) chairman Agum Gumelar said the association would take a neutral stance in the upcoming presidential elections. Agum said Pepabri members, albeit already listed as eligible voters, would cast their vote as independent individuals.

“There should not be a dichotomy between military and civil society. We have to support any candidate who runs for president under the spirit of dedication to this nation,” Agum said at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, April 24, 2014.

He said Pepabri would take the same stance as the Armed Forces: neutral. As an institution, he added, Pepabri would not sway its members into supporting any particular presidential contender. He said it was this spirit of independence that had prompted Pepabri members to join political parties, run for parliament, or run for presidency.

“It all comes back to the individuals themselves,” Agum said.

The retired four-star general said this was what he told President Yudhoyono when they both met at the presidential office. Aside from assuring the president that Pepabri would remain neutral, he added, he also passed on Pepabri’s suggestions to the president as the head of the nation.

Agum said among them was Pepabri hoped the implementation of the presidential race in July could proceed safely, smoothly, and peacefully. Pepabri also hoped the government could safeguard the security and economic conditions on the presidential elections on July 9.

Agum Gumelar paid a visit to President Yudhoyono today at the Presidential Palace. In the meeting, the president was accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, and Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal, and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto.

FRANSISCO ROSARIANS