Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Commander of Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), at the State Palace, Jakarta, December 19, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I just have inaugurated Admiral Yudo Margono, who is standing beside me, as the TNI Commander, I told him to, first, guard the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, and second, guard our unity. In addition, (I asked him) to guard, maintain, and increase public trust to TNI which is at the highest level now. The trust must be maintained through developing professionalism of TNI soldiers.

That concludes my remarks.

Reporter
When will the new Navy chief of staff be announced?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As soon as possible.

Reporter
Who is the candidate?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The candidate is not the one-star, two-star (general), but three-star (general). When it’s ready, I will inaugurate [the candidate].

Reporter
What is your directive to the new Commander regarding the elections?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Alright, the most important thing is to maintain the neutrality of the TNI members, so they are not involved in practical politics. And, synergy between the TNI and the National Police (Polri) in maintaining domestic favorable situation is also important. Political stability and security are important to build our state and economic growth amidst global uncertainty.

Reporter
Pak Yudo promised to use a more humanistic approach in Papua, is there an order imposed to reduce the number of soldiers assigned in Papua?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I think both are good ideas. Using humanistic approach and reducing the number of soldiers in Papua are good, but we must be firm. If we don’t take firm action, the armed criminal group (KKB) will continue to exist and we will never able to solve the issue.

Reporter
Thank you, Mr. President.

(RAS/LW)