I promise we will help investigate if there is any involvement (of TNI members in violent acts)Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA) - The Commander of the National Defense Forces (TNI), General Andika Perkasa, has assured that any personnel involved in acts of violence against civilians will face legal sanctions, in accordance with the applicable laws.
"Report it to me. I will make sure we will enforce the law. I promise we will help investigate if there is any involvement (of TNI members in violent acts)," the general said in Ambon, Maluku on Thursday.
He affirmed that cases of violence involving military personnel—whether from the army, navy, or air force—against civilians and other institutions will still be legally processed, according to the law, by the police, courts, and prosecutors' offices.
Perkasa then cited one case of violence involving a TNI personnel and two Ambon Police personnel who were regulating traffic flow in the Mardika area last November. The case is still being legally processed.
"Now the process is ongoing, including the one in Ambon. We have agreed (on legally processing the case), thus the regional police chief and the regional commander have also assessed the case in accordance with the law. So, there is no longer a so-called peaceful resolution or the likes to avoid legal processes," he emphasized.
He said that the TNI and police force are law enforcement institutions that have the authority to use firearms. It is necessary for all personnel from those two institutions to consider carefully before engaging in violent acts, he added.
That way, they will not act according to their emotions and personal interests, he said.
"We have to make sure that all of our officers, from the lowest to the top (ranks), have careful consideration in using violence. It should not be abused for personal or emotional context, because we will have to process (the violation) legally," he remarked.
He further said that the recruitment of military personnel in Maluku was handled by the chiefs of staff of each institution, with the quota adjusted to the Defense Ministry's stipulation.
In the army, the acceptance of new members is mapped based on the number of district military command personnel in one district or city, he explained.
The standard for medical, physical, and psychological tests for the acceptance of non-commissioned and enlisted candidates in areas that tend to be left behind is adjusted to the conditions of the region, he said.
"In terms of numbers as a whole, it cannot be separated from the decision of the Defense Minister for the number of officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel who may enter each year for strength development; we only accept the number," the general elaborated.
General Andika Perkasa, who was in Ambon for two days, also observed COVID-19 vaccinations at the Merdeka Square.
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Translator: Shariva Alaidrus
Editor: Sri Haryati
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