Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The commander of the Indonesian military (TNI), General Gatot Nurmantyo, stated here on Monday that the TNI rank and file would back up the police in ensuring security for successful conduct of regional elections in 2017.
"This is my commitment. From Sabang to Merauke, I have ordered all regional military commanders to remain on standby. Do not hesitate to deploy available forces," he said at a press conference at the presidential office.
He termed the simultaneous regional elections to be held in February 2017 as a festival of democracy and assured that he would prepare the TNI rank and file to lend all support.
"I reaffirm that the TNI would make all arrangements to back up the police in case anyone seeks to disrupt national security and stability," he stressed.
National Police (Polri) chief, General Tito Karnavian, pointed out the police, along with TNI and other community elements, would collectively make this festival of democracy in the form of simultaneous regional elections 2017 a success.
"(With) Polri and TNI as the core forces, supported by other stakeholders, we hope to work together to ensure national security and stability," he reiterated.
He noted that Polri and TNI, in particular, have already held coordination meetings to discuss measures in view of the upcoming elections.
"We have agreed with the TNI commander that all rank and file of Polri and TNI from central to provincial, district, sub-district and village levels as well as from the Minister of Home Affairs down to village heads should jointly maintain national security and stability," he underlined.
General Tito Karnavian commented that Polri would remain neutral in the entire process.
"In case, any laws are broken or election rules are violated, these will be dealt with as per the law and any unconstitutional or anarchic action must be avoided. We must jointly maintain security and stability," he reminded.
Simultaneous regional head elections will be held in 101 regions, including Jakarta, on Feb 15, 2017.
President Joko Widodo gathered regional military and police chiefs from across the countrys 34 provinces at the state palace on Monday to discuss the implementation of the regional elections.(WDY)
