TEMPO.CO, Bandung - Army Chief of Staff [Kasad], General Budiman, has ensured the neutrality of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) during the upcoming presidential election.
"I have instructed all members of the Army to really remain neutral," said Gen. Budiman in Bandung, yesterday, adding that the allegations saying Babinsa (village supervisory non-commissioned) officers have been going door-to-door and asking residents in Cideng, Central Jakarta, to vote for rival candidate, Prabowo Subianto, is merely an action done by an individual.
In the wake of the case, the Army has taken several steps, Gen. Budiman said. "The Babinsa issue is only done by one individual, but we have to do some introspection to our units to remind them to remain neutral."
Gen. Budiman had gathered leaders within the Army and instructed them to explain the issue to their soldiers about TNI neutrality during the presidential election.
"They have told the officers [to remain neutral on the election]. Later on, I’ll occasionally check even until the Military Command Posts (Korem) through teleconference or visit them around. I will make sure whether this matter has been well-understood," said the Kasad.
TNI must remain neutral to earn respect from the people in carrying out its duty in ensuring safety. "Only by being on a neutral ground will we really be respected so we can ensure safety during the election," said Gen. Budiman.
AHMAD FIKRI