KSAD Talks on Protests Ahead of Jokowi's Inauguration

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) Andika Perkasa claimed to receive reports upon possible street protests that will emerge in a number of regions ahead of the inauguration of Joko “Jokowi” Widodo - Ma’ruf Amin. 

“It will take place in a limited number of places. Some are smaller than 30 percent compared to the entire region we invited except Papua,” said Andika at a press conference on Wednesday, October 9. 

He said the reports come from military command (Kodam) Commanders stationed across all provinces in Indonesia provinces that he invited to yesterday’s meeting. The only commander that did not make it was from Papua’s Cenderawasih Military Command Commander, who’s currently maintaining peace at the conflict-stricken region.  

Andika maintained that the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) does not have a problem with members of the public holding demonstrations or protests as he said it is guaranteed under the constitution. However, he maintains that protesters must respect existing laws in doing so, and should not disturb other people’s rights. 

“We are ready to provide extra security as we have proved the last time where we nearly mobilized the entire Army to assist the demonstrations,” said the TNI Chief of Staff. 

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI