Repeating the same message he conveyed while visiting the headquarters of other military units, including the elite Kopassus corps in the past couple of days, President Jokowi told the Marines on Friday that he was the highest authority of the military, instructing them “to be the forefront [of power] in facing any power that aims to disrupt nation’s unity”.

In the Brimob headquarters earlier that day, Jokowi’s voice sounded firm when he carefully delivered his points on the nature of Indonesia as a country that consisted of diverse ethnicities and faiths.

“We will move backward if our energy is wasted on arguing about religions and ethnic groups,” he said. “Many countries have expressed appreciation for our diversity, and we want to be the best example of a country that successfully manages diversity.”

On the sidelines of Jokowi’s visit, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian declared full support for the President and called on members of his force to be loyal to him. “As servants of the country, we must show loyalty, especially when there are dynamics in the country.”

Tito also repeatedly emphasized the non-negotiable loyalty of all members of the police institution to serve the legitimate government of Jokowi, the highest commander of the National Police, who was elected by the people through a constitutional mechanism.

He even specifically cited the crucial role of all Brimob personnel to protect the President, as well as the nation, during any rebellion against the legitimate authority.

“You are the hope when insurgency emerges,” Tito said.

“Our highest commander will come and deliver his orders, which we must obey”.

Jokowi’s visits to the armed forces have sparked speculation that there is a real threat against the government following the Nov. 4 rally and ahead of another large rally that is expected to take place on Nov. 25.

But presidential spokesman Johan Budi toned down the speculation, saying that Jokowi was confident that his moves would bring national unity and stability.

“Well, people can have different perceptions of Jokowi’s moves and those depend on the person who has the perception and what interest he has,” Johan said.

Other than the armed forces, Jokowi, who met with a number of religious leaders from different groups following the rally, is also set to meet political figures over the weekend, particularly those from Islamic political parties.

Political analysts have also praised Jokowi’s moves, saying that the President has run the right strategy to deliver the message that he is present as the highest commander of the country’s armed forces.

Yunarto Wijaya of the Jakarta-based Charta Politika said Jokowi had shown to the public that Indonesia’s defense and security instruments are all solid under his command. Through his tour, Jokowi has answered the people who questioned his whereabouts during last Friday’s rally.

“It makes the public, both those who are involved [in the sectarian conflict] and those who are not, feel that the nation is in a safe condition. It’s a symbol that the President is here,” Yunarto told the Post.

Marguerite Afra Sapiie and Margareth S. Aritonang contributed to this story.

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