"I think there is not anyone who wishes to topple the government or conduct a coup. A coup requires preparations and cannot be done illicitly," he said during a discussion.
He noted that coups were unknown in Indonesia, especially by the military.
He further said a coup has never occurred because the Indonesian president is also the supreme commander of the defense forces.
"So whoever is the president, he or she is also the supreme commander," he said.
Secondly, the power of the commander of the defense forces (TNI) is also divided among the army, air force and navy chiefs, chiefs of regional defense commands and others. The TNI commander does not have direct authority over the army`s strategic reserve command and does not coordinate functions.
"So, a coup is almost impossible to happen. Impossible. I think a coup is impossible to do," he said.
He added that only civilians could carry out a coup, such as a political leader whose position is "head-to-head" with the government, since he might organize the masses.
However, he said right now he saw no civilian who was "head-to-head" with the government and could energize the public.
"A coup could only happen if there is national disorder or chaos and disturbances. These could come from dissatisfaction, like in the 1998 riots," he said.
So, Wiranto said, accusing persons who reject a fuel price hike of similarly conducting a coup is both simple and groundless.
(T.J004/KR-BSR/H-YH/INE)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
