Indonesian Armed Forces issue warning against disorders during vote

The election on 17 April is critical for the future of the young democracy. Many Indonesians fear actions by fundamentalist movements. The military stands for national unity. For Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, there is “zero tolerance” for those who undermine unity.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) are ready to intervene against any attempt to undermine the smooth running of the next general election, said Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, in a message addressed to the nation one week before the vote on 17 April (see video below).

Known as a man with few words, Hadi Tjahjanto came across as resolute in his latest public appearance.

Speaking yesterday in Ancol (North Jakarta) at an anti-terrorism event, he stressed that anyone who wants to destabilise Indonesia, threaten national unity and challenge the pluralist ideology of Pancasila or the 1945 Constitution will have to deal with the TNI.

Behind Hadi Tjahjanto stood the chiefs of staff of each Armed Force and members of commando units from the Navy (Korps Marinir), the Air Force (Kopaska), and the Army (Kopassus), all in combat fatigues.

In a firm voice, the Commander said that "the TNI has always been neutral, as stipulated by the law, during the political race for power. Anybody or any group who will disrupt the election will be faced with harsh actions by TNI.”

“We are ready to guarantee the vote for our next national leaders and MPs,” the marshal adds. The “TNI is the last defender of the NKRI*’s existence. [There shall be] No compromise with any disruptive actions to dissolve the NKRI. Zero tolerance. This is what I want to say to my fellow Indonesians and I strongly hope that you will easily understand.”

For Indonesians, Hadi Tjahjanto’s statement is a clear reference not only to subversive Islamist armed groups, but also to those trying to poison the electoral atmosphere with hatred and fake news.

Many fear that the latter may trigger violent reactions by fundamentalist groups and supporters of identity policies.

For the first time in Indonesian history, about 192 million eligible voters will elect on the same day president, vice-president, members of the lower house (DPR) and members of the upper house (DPD).

For many observers, the election is a "critical day" for the future of the young democracy, which is threatened by Islamism.

According to General (Ret) Abdullah Mahmud Hendropriyono, the first head of Indonesia intelligence Agency (Badan Intelijen Negara, BIN), the vote will be "a political clash between two opposing ideologies: pluralism vs fundamentalist Islam."

* NKRI: Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia, Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

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• elections
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• hadi tjahjanto