JK Urges TNI Commander to Investigate Babinsa Case

Pekanbaru, Riau (Antara) - Vice presidential candidate Jusuf Kalla has urged the TNI (Military) commander to investigate the "Babinsa" case and act decisively against those involved. "As an institution I believe TNI is neutral, but perhaps there are TNI individuals who, upon the request of certain people, have persuaded people to elect certain candidates. That is what must be looked into and the TNI must investigate the case thoroughly," he said during a discussion with Islamic clerics at the Nurul Huda Al-Islamic boarding school in Sidomulya village, Maharatu sub-district, Pekanbaru in the Sumatran province of Riau here on Saturday. Media reports have reported that village supervisory non-commissioned officers (Babinsa) has visited people in Central Jakarta and also Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta to urge them to vote for the Prabowo-Hatta ticket. Military and police personnel are not allowed to be involved in practical politics, or to vote in general elections. Military leaders, meanwhile, have also repeatedly stated that military personnel will remain neutral with regard to the upcoming presidential election. Jusuf Kalla, who is the running mate of presidential candidate Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who was on a campaign tour here, had also met with local traditional community leaders. He said "the Babinsa case is a violation," and in view of that he urged Jokowi-JK ticket supporters to report to authorities in case they discovered violations. He said the past "New Order method" is no longer effective. TNI must become a neutral state apparatus, working for the interest of the people and the nation. "For the interest of the people, I am convinced TNI will be neutral," he said. (*) reporting by jaka suryo