Mahfud Yakin Jenderal Agus Subiyanto Jaga Netrality TNI Di Pemilu 2024

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (ANTARA)

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD believes that TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who has just been inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), is able to maintain TNI neutrality in the 2024 General Election. Mahfud claimed to have known the figure of General Agus Subiyanto.

"Yes, yes (TNI neutrality). I already know everyone," said Mahfud after the inauguration of General Agus as TNI Commander at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, November 22.

Mahfud is also optimistic that the TNI's steps so far can maintain neutrality in this political year. Moreover, he said, the TNI had formed a TNI neutrality post.

"The post has been formed, yes, the TNI neutrality post. I believe it will work," said Mahfud.

Previously, General Agus Subiyanto revealed his steps to maintain TNI neutrality in the 2024 General Election. First, he said, he was open to public supervision including the TNI's neutrality committee. According to him, this is legal because it is the authority of the DPR.

"Actually, it's fine, especially since the DPR made it," said Agus at the DPR building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, last Tuesday.

In addition to supervision, Agus said, his party will impose strict sanctions on TNI soldiers who are not neutral or involved in practical politics. The reason is, Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI and Law Number 7 of 2017 concerning Elections has firmly regulated the prohibition of the TNI from being involved in practical politics or participating in the campaign for presidential and vice-presidential candidates.

"That's if you have a maximum of 1 year in prison and a fine of Rp. 12 million, that's according to the law," said Agus.

The next step is to optimize the role of the TNI neutrality post which has begun to be built. The post can be used by the public to report non-neutral TNI or involve in campaigns for certain presidential and vice presidential pairs.

"I just agree if I carry out security to build a post. Later there will be a joint post at the TPS so that all elements of society if there is a problem there can be resolved," concluded Agus.