Senior backers of presidential candidates Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan have expressed confidence that the new Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto will ensure the armed forces remain neutral in the lead up to next year’s polls.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo swore in on Wednesday his sole nominee for the post of new TNI chief, Agus, marking the rise of another longtime ally of Jokowi’s to one of the country’s most strategic institutions, nearing the end of his presidency.

With the President having a stake in the presidential election because of the vice presidential candidacy of his son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, several observers and election contenders, particularly politicians supporting Ganjar and Anies, have voiced concern that the military and state apparatus could side with Jokowi’s son. Gibran is running with presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto against the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle’s (PDI-P) candidate Ganjar despite the party having served as Jokowi’s political vehicle for decades.

Ganjar’s running mate Mahfud MD, who attended the ceremony in his capacity as the coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister, said he trusted Agus’ commitment ahead of the elections.

“The TNI has formed a desk [to handle public complaints]. I’d say I trust that this system will work,” Mahfud told reporters on Wednesday.

Mahfud was referring to a complaint system Agus’ predecessor, retiring Adm. Yudo Margono, established earlier this week to handle public complaints regarding the neutrality of the military.

Read also: Agus claims neutrality ahead of elections

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