A recent allegation made by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of bias within the Army's elite has angered scores of former generals.

Last week, the President said there was a movement inside the Army (TNI) to vote against a presidential candidate whose name began with "S".

It remains unclear whether the President was referring to himself, but many officers and observers believe there is no doubt that he was.

The former generals accused the President on Monday of driving a wedge into the Army by raising suspicions among officers, and demoralizing soldiers with the remark.

"The accusation will cause officers inside the Army to suspect one another," former Army chief of staff Gen. (ret) Tyasno Sudarto said.

He said Yudhoyono's statement could drive the army back into politics at a time when their neutrality was essential to the success of the upcoming elections, which kick off in April.

"I don't understand why the President should make such a statement. However you look at it, the statement is counter-productive," Tyasno said.

The retired four-star general said Yudhoyono had been spooked by signs of dissatisfaction in him among retired officers because the Constitution, Pancasila and the ideal of the unitary state had not been upheld by his government.

"In Aceh, for instance, they have been allowed to have local parties. What happens if they win? They can get out from Indonesia, and we will end up disintegrated," Tyasno said.

The President's controversial comment was made last week during a speech to members of the Indonesian military (TNI) and National Police at the State Palace which emphasized the importance of the security forces' neutrality in the elections.

He said an Army officer had mentioned there was an "ABS" (anyone but "S") movement. But then added that he did not believe the claim.

Army chief of staff Gen. Agustadi Sasongko said later Monday that he had found no evidence of such a movement.

"We have investigated, but we did not find any indication. However, we have warned officers to stay neutral during the election. We will punish those who involve themselves in politics," he said.

Agustadi said he had warned retired generals not to approach active military officers about political matters.

"I demand that the retired generals help the TNI stay neutral in the 2009 elections," he said.

Former deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. (ret) Kiki Syahnakrie said the President should not have dropped the comment as it would encourage disunity within the TNI.

"Surely we have some former officers that have asked active soldiers to support their parties. But the Army has been mature, and will not be dragged into politics," he told reporters during a gathering of retired generals at Balai Kartini in South Jakarta.

Former coordinating minister for security and political affairs Gen. (ret) Agum Gumelar said that the "ABS" comment should be seen as an expression of disappointment and serve as a warning for the government.

Former Jakarta governor Lt. Gen (ret) Sutiyoso said Yudhoyono had been wrong to convey an allegation that Yudhoyono later claimed he did not believe.

"As SBY *Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono* himself is not sure of the existence of the *ABS' movement, why make a public comment about it?" Sutiyoso said.

He said Yudhoyono should have summoned the chief of the Army to discuss the matter in private.

Popular

Indonesian Muslim groups rally behind Iran amid escalating war

Details on gasoline, diesel rationing remain elusive

Witnesses, activists in Andrie case subject to threats