Kapuspen TNI Clarification Of Banner Removal Photo Of Ganjar Pranowo Presidential Candidate: Steps That Are In Accordance With Procedures To Maintain Neutrality

Ganjar Pranowo. (Doc Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - The removal of the photo banner of the Ganjar Pranowo presidential candidate balloon on the Makodim 1013/Mtw land on Saturday, July 15, 2023, was carried out according to procedures to maintain TNI neutrality in the 2024 election. The TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono, SE, MM, has emphasized TNI soldiers to always be neutral in the upcoming General Election (Pemilu).

In the briefing, there were five main emphasis given by the TNI Commander to all soldiers and their families related to the 2024 General Election. The emphasis includes a ban on favoring and providing support to political parties and candidate pairs, a prohibition on providing facilities/infrastructure belonging to the TNI for campaign activities, a prohibition on giving direction in determining the right to vote on the families of TNI soldiers, a prohibition on providing responses or comments to the results of the temporary quick count issued by survey institutions, as well as firm action against TNI soldiers and civil servants involved in practical politics.

Regarding the viral video showing TNI personnel forcing the removal of Ganjar Pranowo's baleho, Kapuspen TNI Admiral TNI Julius Widjojono provided clarification. The removal was based on a request for permission to install a banner for music festival activities on the land of Kodim 1013/Mtw carried out by Mr. Ahmad Gunadi. After seeing the photo of the location in question, Dandim 0103/Muara Teweh Lt. Col. Inf. Edi Purwoko realized the existence of a photo banner of Ganjar Pranowo on the Makodim land of 113 and immediately ordered his removal in coordination with the Satpol PP and Panwaslu of North Barito Regency.

Kapuspen TNI emphasized that the TNI Commander always emphasized the neutrality of the TNI in the 2024 General Election, including the prohibition of providing facilities belonging to the TNI for campaign activities. This is the TNI's commitment to maintaining neutrality and supporting the democratic process.

Thus, the TNI is committed to maintaining neutrality and not being involved in political activities in order to enforce the rule of law in the 2024 General Election.