Adhyasta Dirgantara, Danu Damarjati – President Prabowo Subianto says that top generals from the Indonesian Military (TNI) have been accused by the West of human rights violations, even though this is not the case.
"Our greatest, most skilled generals are being reviled, accused of being war criminals, accused of violating human rights", said Prabowo in Palmerah, West Jakarta, on Friday February 13.
Prabowo was speaking at the inauguration of 1,072 Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG) and 18 Food Security Warehouses, as well as the groundbreaking ceremony for 107 National Police (Polri) SPPGs.
Prabowo stated that top generals from the TNI have never committed human rights violations like those committed by those who destroy civilian facilities.
"I don't think the TNI has ever bombed a hospital, throughout its history. I don't think the TNI has ever bombed an orphanage. I don't think the TNI has ever bombed a school, ever [bombed] a church or a mosque", said Prabowo.
Prabowo criticised the attitude of Western countries that teach human rights but are themselves involved in human rights violations.
"I don't want to comment any further", said Prabowo, refraining from continuing his criticism, which was met with laughter from the audience including state officials. "You know what I mean", he said.
Police often targeted
Prabowo spoke about human rights violations after he noted that the police are often the target of criticism, suffering the same fate as the TNI.
"I know, ladies and gentlemen, the police are often targeted. That's the risk. The TNI was also a target in the past", Prabowo said.
Prabowo said that the spotlight on the police or other institutions is something that must be faced with fortitude.
"Police, be steadfast, you're also a target. It's okay, right? That's the risk, what's important is the good intentions and sacrifices for the nation and state", said Prabowo.
If there is an individual so commits wrong, the institution must take action against them. This is the same as what happens to a naughty student at school.
"It's the student, not the principal, who gets removed. The school isn't closed", said Prabowo.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Prabowo: Jenderal Kita Dituduh Langgar HAM padahal TNI Tak Pernah Ngebom RS".]
