Army Chief of Staff Ensures Army’s Neutrality in 2019 Election Year

General Andika Perkasa answers reporters’ questions after his inauguration as Army Chief of Staff, at State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (22/11). (Photo: Agung/PR)

General Andika Perkasa, the newly-inaugurated Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), said that as requested by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo a few months ago, he will remind all members of the Army to remain neutral in the political year in 2019.

“Army members must be neutral and I will make sure my soldiers follow the obligation,” Andika said.

Andika also said he did not get a special assignment from President Jokowi regarding his position as KSAD. “The President gave me his trust and I have to interpret it myself,” Andika said to reporters after his inauguration at the State Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (22/11).

He went on say that he will first learn his new position and find if there are any reforms needed regarding certain policies within the Indonesian Army (TNI AD). However, Andika continued, he will continue the works of previous Army Chief of Staff General Mulyono.

The new Army Chief of Staff also promised to build communication with his seniors in the Army. “It is the most important thing to me, to seek support from the seniors because without it I will not be able to work in the same direction as they are expected,” he said.  (MAY / AGG / ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas