President Confirms Neutrality Of Military And Police

Jakarta, Jan 9 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono confirmed the neutrality of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and Police in the 2014 Election, while briefing the military and police officials during a meeting in Jakarta on Thursday. "It is important to maintain neutrality of the military and police during the election. The neutrality of military and police is not only what I hope for as the Head of Government and State, but also as a political elite and people of Indonesia," Yudhoyono stated. The meeting was themed `The readiness of the military and police to secure 2014 Election.` The meeting was attended by a number of ministers such as Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto and Minister of Home Affairs Gamawan Fauzi. Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono and Attorney General Basrief Arief were also part of the meeting. The President pointed out that the 2004 and 2009 Elections were carried out successfully, and the military and police had been successful then, in maintaining neutrality. The President appreciated it and hoped for the same in the 2014 elections. According to the President, military and police have certain duties and obligations to ensure that the election takes place in an orderly and secured manner, in order for the election to be democratic, fair and square. The President also urged the citizens to ensure that the elections take place in an orderly and safe way. All the problems during the elections can be solved through electoral laws that have been provided to avoid anarchistic actions. The President addressed the political elite and asked them to be in control and provide support to avoid violence of any kind. The Chief of Indonesian Police General Sutarman stated that the meeting of military and police officials was attended by 336 top leaders from both institutions. Sutarman and Commander in Chief of Indonesian Armed Forces General Muldoko assured their readiness in ensuring the smooth, orderly and successful execution of 2014 Elections.