PDI-P rejects military voting rights

The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) says it rejects the recent idea to revive voting rights for Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel.

"The TNI was established not to serve its own interests, but to serve the people. The TNI can be perceived as the lifeblood of the people," PDI-P chairman at the House of Representatives, Tjahjo Kumolo, told The Jakarta Post via a text message on Thursday.

"It would be a pity if the TNI as an institution was put face-to-face with short-term political interests and to bet on the unity of the Indonesian Republic in TNI's hands," he added.

"Therefore, the PDI-P has decided to defend the TNI as an institution and reject any idea of wanting it to be involved in political activities," he said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono recently said it might be possible for members of the military to vote and run for political office. TNI members have only voted once in post-independence Indonesia, during the 1955 legislative elections.

During the New Order era, the military automatically received up to 100 seats in the House of Representatives. The loyalty of the military wing was squarely for then president Soeharto and his ruling Golkar Party.

The reform era saw mounting protests from student activists to put an end to the military’s dual role, which at that time paved the way for state-endorsed military violence.

The TNI and National Police wing at the House was dissolved in 2004 while the 2003 Election Law banned TNI personnel from voting in the 2004 elections.