President Jokowi Orders TNI, Polri to Maintain Stability ahead of Government Transition, Regional Head Elections

President Joko Widodo gives directives to TNI and Polri officers, at the State Palace in Nusantara Capital, Thursday (09/12). (Photo by: Public Relations of Cabinet Secretariat/Ibrahim)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has ordered the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel to maintain stability ahead of the government transition and the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Elections. The President gave the order in his directives to TNI-Polri High-Ranking Officers at the State Palace, Nusantara Capital (IKN), East Kalimantan province, Thursday (09/12).

“In about one and a half months ahead, we will see the inauguration of the president-elect and the vice president-elect. In November, we will hold simultaneous regional head elections to elect governors, regents, and mayors. For that reason, I order TNI and Polri to really maintain the stability that is already established up to now,” said the President.

He emphasized that TNI and Polri must ensure a smooth transition from the previous administration to the new one that will be led by President-elect Prabowo Subianto. TNI and Polri are instructed to anticipate all possibilities that could disrupt the transition process and the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Head Elections.

“The administration that I lead will be continued by the new administration led by Retired General Prabowo Subianto. Make sure this transition process runs well and smoothly. Don’t let there be any obstacles that have the potential to disrupt the process,” he said.

In addition, President Jokowi also emphasized that stability is essential for growth and development because economic growth and development will not run well in countries that are in conflict.

“Let’s take a look at the countries in the Middle East that are in conflict. How many years have they been in conflict? Can they build? It’s impossible to grow and it’s impossible to build. To maintain stability, we need professional TNI and Polri, we need TNI and Polri that are trusted by the people,” said the President.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also ordered TNI and Polri to stand at the forefront in handling violence against women and children. To that end, the role of Babinsa (non-commissioned village supervisory officers) and Bhabinkamtibmas (security and public order officers) must be optimized to give protection against all forms of violence, such as domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, and bullying.

“Our women and children think that if they need protection, they can get it from TNI and Polri, be it protection against domestic violence, sexual violence, physical violence, bullying, or abuse. For that reason, empower Babinsa, empower Bhabinkamtibmas as the spearhead in the first assistance,” he said.

Present with the President on the occasion were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. (TGH/KS/DNS) (TM/MMB)