Budi Hartadi, Singosari – Although the TNI’s (armed forces) interest in participating in regional elections has drawn criticism, army chief of staff Lieutenant General Djoko Santoso has instead given his blessing to the move under the condition that officers not wear their uniforms or use TNI facilities for political activities.

This was conveyed by Santoso during a ceremony transferring command of Kostrad’s (Army Strategic Reserve Command) Vira Bhakti Yudha Division II from Major-General Erwin Sudjono to Brigadier-General Liliek AS Sumaryo at Kostrad headquarters in Singosari, Malang, on Friday April 29.

“We will allow [TNI officers to take part in the elections] as long as they not wear uniforms or use [TNI] facilities to conduct their political activities”, said Santoso.

TNI officers who are elected in the regional elections will be pensioned off. “But, if [they are] not elected they will still be allowed to return to the TNI. Although, there is a possibility that [they] will not hold the same posts as they did before nominating themselves”, he said.

Santoso’s orders include that TNI members not injure democracy during the regional elections.

According to Santoso, the TNI has already issued a telegram to TNI commanders saying that that during the regional elections TNI members who are nominated are to obey the regulations that are in forces and instructions from both the TNI and army as well as guaranteeing the neutrality of the TNI as an institution.

“We have already brought together the battalion commanders who were given an explanation on the regional elections and not being involved in the election of regional heads and obeying the regulations which are in force”, said Santoso.

Government Regulation Number 6/2005 on the Election of Regional Heads states that TNI officers must resign from their structural posts if they nominate themselves to run in the regional elections and their official military duties will have a non-active status. (aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]