"Why would it be questioned? There's obviously already a legal basis," Pratikno told reporters when asked about President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's stance on the issue, as quoted by kompas.com.

Pratikno was responding to media queries related to a request made by Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo to allow military personnel to take part in elections.

The state secretary noted three legal bases underlying the President's position in relation to political rights for the military: Article 5 on People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Resolution No. VII/MPR/2000 on the Separation of the Indonesian Military and National Police, Law No. 15/2011 on General Elections Management and Law, as well as Law. No 34/2004 on the TNI. 

"So it's clear. They all state that when it comes to politics, the TNI must remain neutral," Pratikno said, while asserting the need to abide by the law.

Gatot stated earlier this week that military personnel were treated like foreign citizens for not having political rights. He expressed hope that the military would gain their rights to vote in elections within the next 10 years.

The current law stipulates that military personnel are not allowed to vote, although their family members have full political rights. (liz)

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