According to Yudhoyono, there is confirmed information about some parties trying to influence high-level military and police officers to get involved in practical politics.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono reminded the Indonesian Military and Police to remain neutral and stay away from unwavering offers that draw institutions into practical politics during the July 9, 2014, presidential election.

"The neutrality of the Indonesian Military and Police must be preserved, dont step back, dont break it, and dont betray the uneasy process of the military and polices reformation at that time," stated President Yudhoyono while addressing high-level officers of the Indonesian Army here on Monday.

According to Yudhoyono, there is confirmed information about some parties trying to influence high-level military and police officers to get involved in practical politics.

"The information has been confirmed, and of course, it is not just invaluable confirmation that some parties have been trying to draw some high-level officers to support a specific presidential candidate. They even say that the members of the military and the police do not need to listen to their president as he is a leader of a sinking ship, and it is better to find a brighter new president," Yudhoyono stressed.

Yudhoyono deplored such offers that were not just tempting to the related individual to violate the seven clans and soldiers vow, but also possibly threatened the stability of the state, the nation, and the reformation process.

"Be careful, dont be tempted," he added.

However, President Yudhoyono said if some military or polices member is keen to take up a career in politics, they are allowed to forego their position and become a civilian.

"If they think they have a potential political career in the future, then they must submit their resignation to their superiors," he noted.

Yudhoyono stressed that as a person who inaugurated the chief of Indonesian police, chief of army, chief of navy, and chief of air force, he will approve their resignations if they want to be involved in practical politics.

"I will approve it, and I will pray for your success, since I know your potential and competency, and you have the ability to change the history path of this country," the head of state remarked.

Yudhoyono cited examples of some high-level military and police officers who chose a political career, including himself who joined the Democratic Party, Prabowo Subianto who joined the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), and Wiranto who joined the Peoples Conscience Party (Hanura).

President Yudhoyono also referred to the success of the elections in 2004 that showcased the neutrality of the military and police, including a statement from an intermediate-level officer of Indonesian Police, which was aired on national television that asked the public to steer clear from voting for specific candidates.

While in the 2009 elections and legislative elections in 2014, Yudhoyono praised the military and police for their commitment to remain neutral. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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