TNI: We Never Intimidate Those Who Use Rights

Kapuspen TNI Headquarters Major General Kristomei Sianturi at TNI Headquarters, East Jakarta (ANTARA/Ho-Puspen TNI Headquarters)

JAKARTA - Head of the Information Center of the TNI Headquarters Major General Kristomei Sianturi ensured that his party had never been involved in acts of intimidating someone who exercised their right to freedom of expression.

"The TNI has never and will not carry out intimidating actions against citizens who exercise their constitutional rights in expressing opinions," Kristomei said in an official press release from the TNI Headquarters, Antara, Monday, May 25.

Kristomei made this statement regarding the intimidation of someone after writing an article or opinion regarding the involvement of the TNI in civilian positions in one of the Indonesian mass media.

According to Kristomei, the TNI strongly supports the principle of freedom of expression in public and is open to criticism from the public.

"Every citizen has the right to express his aspirations, opinions, and criticism openly and responsibly," said Kristomei.

He assessed that freedom of expression is part of the principle of democracy that must be protected by the TNI. Therefore, every citizen's right to give opinions must be protected by the government, including the TNI.

Kristomei himself does not justify intimidating actions against someone who uses his right to freedom of expression.

According to him, those who intimidate someone because they use their right to freedom of expression must be prosecuted.

Kristomei also did not justify several parties who seemed to corner his agency because they were considered involved in the intimidation.

"The TNI invites the public to remain vigilant against provocation efforts and misleading opinion advocates," said Kristomei.

"We strongly reject all forms of accusations directed at the TNI without evidence, data, credible and legitimate facts," he added.