Margono noted that the military's political neutrality had become one of his commitments since he took the fit and proper test by the House of Representatives before being sworn in as TNI commander.
"Yes, right. When I began the fit and proper test, I guaranteed that the National Defense Force must be neutral. I will be consistent on that matter for sure," the commander stated on the sidelines of the 2023 national coordination meeting of Regional Heads and the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum at the Sentul International Convention Center in Bogor, West Java, on Tuesday.
Margono also said he would remind all personnel of this instruction as a follow-up to anticipate the 2024 Election.
The force's Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) was always actively pursuing measures to anticipate the risk of violations of political neutrality within the military force, he stated.
He emphasized that if irresponsible parties were found to be involved in it, then they would be processed in accordance with the applicable law.
Measures to improve the military's bureaucratic reform also included the implementation of law enforcement within the organization, he remarked.
"If they are punished, they will be punished. Hence, for troops who violate the law, of course, we will impose legal sanctions," the commander noted.
At the meeting, President Jokowi had reminded the national defense force and police force to not get involved in practical politics, as it was one of the efforts to maintain political stability and security as the 2024 Election drew near.
"I urge you to maintain a conducive situation. To protect our society from becoming a victim of politics known as identity politics, and I need to remind the national defense force and police force to not practice politics," he noted.
Related news: KPU asks Matakin to urge people to monitor 2024 elections
Related news: KPU committed to open-list proportional representation system: DPR
Related news: Ensure openness in poll processes: Bawaslu
Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
