"We are aware that concern over the neutrality of apparatus in the upcoming election has arisen in the public," said Christina Aryani, a member of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), in her written statement on Sunday.
"We will closely examine this issue to secure a firm commitment from the commander candidate (regarding TNI's neutrality)."
DPR, particularly Commission I, has emphasized the importance of TNI soldiers remaining neutral for the sake of realizing democratic, safe, and peaceful 2024 General Elections, she said.
President Joko Widodo on October 31 submitted a letter to DPR regarding the selection of General Subiyanto, the Army Chief of Staff, as the sole nominee for the position of TNI commander to succeed Admiral Yudo Margono, who will retire on November 26.
Subiyanto himself was recently appointed to his current post on October 25, taking over from General Dudung Abdurachman.
In response to his nomination, Subiyanto pledged his readiness to undergo the selection process to become the TNI commander.
"I am ready. I am loyal to my commander and to my president as well. I have served in various locations, including Timor-Leste, where I fulfilled my duties in 1999. I have also served in Poso. I am ready to be deployed anywhere," he remarked in Bogor, West Java, on November 1.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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