A meeting between National Police chief and Indonesian Military commander showed solidarity between the two institutions.
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Antara Foto/Indrianto Eko Suwarso
Indonesian Military Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto (left) embraces National Police chief Tito Karnavian (right) after the latter’s visit on Monday (11/12) to the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta. The top two security chiefs of the country discussed the synergy between their institutions in responding to the nation’s problems.
A meeting between National Police chief Gen. (Pol.) Tito Karnavian and Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto at TNI Headquarters showed solidarity between the two institutions.
The two leaders emphasized their commitment to strengthening ties between the TNI and National Police. The solidity at the elite level in Jakarta should be followed up at the lower level. It has to be acknowledged that friction on the field between TNI soldiers and police officers has occurred several times. Therefore, the meeting at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, which involved the participation of a number of high-ranking officials in the two institutions, deserves appreciation.
The National Police and TNI are two institutions that have a strategic role and function in maintaining a calm situation, especially ahead of the celebration of Christmas and New Year, the 2018 and 2019 political years, and international geopolitical development, which has an impact on Indonesia. The National Police have the duty of protecting the community, enforcing law and maintaining security in the country. Meanwhile, the TNI focuses more on the defense on the state.
We hope the solidarity at the level of the leadership of TNI and National Police will be able to give a positive signal to anybody running for a political post in the upcoming elections. Investors can calmly build and develop their businesses in Indonesia because there is a security guarantee given by the two institutions.
Communication becomes an important thing. The statements by the two leaders can have a big impact on various life segments. Let alone in the era of an information “tsunami” like now, where social media has changed the way communities communicate. We understand there is difference of interest between the two institutions, but we hope the difference of views can be settled in a positive spirit for the development of the country.
With such a communication spirit, difference of views in the deliberation of the draft terrorism law – about the involvement of TNI – can be settled properly so that Indonesia can immediately have a new terrorism law, which can anticipate the development of terrorism.
The solidity between TNI and National Police is important. However, what is far more important is that TNI and National Police should not simply become tools of the power. In the political years, the pull to become the tool of the power will certainly happen. Therefore, the statement of TNI Commander Gen. Hadi Tjahjanto that the neutrality of TNI cannot be bargained in the political years has to be warmly welcomed. The people wait for its implementation.
TNI soldiers and police officers have to be kept away from practical political activities. Even though a number of high-ranking officers of the National Police and TNI will participate in the practical politics in regional elections, the TNI and National Police institutions have to be maintained to remain sterile from practical politics. The ability of the TNI and National Police to maintain independence and neutrality in the political years will help the nation make Indonesian democracy more mature.
