Retired Falls Into Politics, Mahfud Wants TNI-Polri Neutrality

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

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD asked members of the TNI-Polri to continue to uphold neutrality in the 2024 General Election (Pemilu).

He made this statement to prevent partiality. This is because many retired TNI-Polri officers are now entering politics, both as candidates and supporters of one of the candidates.

"Then there is also the issue of retired TNI and Polri officials currently many are members of political parties supporting the a, the b, and so on. This is to be anticipated because they are vulnerable to causing issues of neutrality between the TNI and Polri," Mahfud said in his remarks at the Brata Operations Great Preparation Coordination Meeting 2023-2024 in the Context of Security for the 2024 General Election, Wednesday, September 27.

It is undeniable that the neutrality of the TNI-Polri is an important element in the implementation of the General Election. Thus, the attitude of neutrality must be instilled in all members of these two institutions.

Moreover, said Mahfud, the position of the TNI-Polri protects the interests of the state, not political parties (political parties).

"The position of the TNI-Polri is for the benefit of the nation and state, not for the benefit of political parties," he said.

Without neutrality, the TNI-Polri will have an impact on public legitimacy in the election. Thus, unfavorable attitudes must continue to be instilled.

"If there is involvement and is not neutral, it can cause problems that ultimately affect people's legitimacy regarding the election results," said Mahfud.