Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Chief of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has reiterated TNI`s commitment to maintaining a neutral stance during the 2019 general election process.

"Strengthen the neutrality of TNI, as individuals as well as corps, during the implementation of the 2019 elections. Do not let your emotions be provoked; do not be involved in supporting certain groups during the election process," the military commander noted in a statement read out by Chief of Staff of the Army General Mulyono during a ceremony to observe the 73rd anniversary of TNI in Merauke, Papua, Friday.

"The success in securing the 2017 and 2018 simultaneous regional head elections will become a stepping stone in guarding the 2019 presidential and legislative elections," he emphasized.

The TNI is determined to maintain national unity and integrity as well as to become a fortress to protect the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

He also reminded the country`s military officers to strengthen solidity of the TNI and the military`s closeness to the people to always make TNI a unifying factor of the nation.

Indonesia will organize the presidential and legislative elections on April 17, 2019.



Reporting by Syaiful Hakim

Editing by Fardah Assegaf

Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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