"If the President instructs the TNI commander to deploy its personnel for the job, it should be done," Former commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Endriartono Sutarto said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Former commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Endriartono Sutarto suggested that the military can be assigned the task of resolving the conflict between the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and National Police (Polri).

"If the President instructs the TNI commander to deploy its personnel for the job, it should be done; but never without a presidential decree," Endriartono Sutarto said here on Thursday.

Endriartono met with KPKs leadership to discuss threats received by its investigators, employees as well as their families.

"In the regulation, the deployment of TNI is not justified. But, if the President orders the TNI commander to deploy personnel, it should be done. I believe the conflict between KPK and police does not require TNIs intervention," Endriartono explained.

He affirmed that serious threats may endanger all citizens.

"Threats can endanger everyone. I still have faith that law enforcement officials will not issue threats," he noted.

He has requested President Joko Widodo to solve the KPK-police conflict.

"We hope the President will immediately make a decision that will solve the KPK-police conflict," he added.

However, he acknowledged that the current conflict between KPK and police is larger than their previous conflict.

"I see the situation is more complex now. The conflict between KPK and police must be settled properly and without violating the rule of law," he emphasized.

The President has the sole authority to resolve the issue.

Earlier, KPK requested President Joko Widodo to give protection to its investigators, employees, and their families, as they have received a number of threats to their lives.

"We have explained to the President that KPK has received a number of threats. He has promised to take tough steps to mitigate the threats," Deputy Chief of KPK Bambang Widjojanto noted here on Wednesday.

The anti-graft agency, he added, has also requested Deputy Chief of the National Police Commissioner General Badrodin Haiti for protection.

"We have notified the deputy chief of the national police of this serious threat, and, thank God, we have got a safety guarantee from him and we trust him," he stated.

Widjojanto pointed out that the threats have been addressed not only to the staff and employees of KPK but also to their families.

"Although we are alert, we have asked some official agencies to protect KPKs investigators, employees, as well as their families," he affirmed.

Widjojanto noted that Commissioner General Badrodin Haiti has assured KPK Deputy Chief Zulkarnain and Adnan Pandu Praja Bambang that the issue will be resolved.

"We have consulted with the deputy chief of the national police to clarify and find the best solution to the issue. We believe that the leaders of the national police should pay serious heed to our information and take appropriate measures," he remarked.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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