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TNI commander’s anti-China speech denied
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In solidarity – Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen.Gatot Nurmantyo (right) and Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin (left) accompany President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo who will attend a mass prayer held by Islamic organizations at National Monument (Monas) Square in Central Jakarta, on Dec.2. (Antara/Puspa Perwitasari)
T
he Indonesian Military (TNI) has denied a circulating provocative message reportedly conveyed by TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo expressing sentiments against China and the spread of communist ideology in the country.
The message, reported to be part of Gatot’s speech, warns Indonesian people of a scheme being conducted by China to tear apart the country by dispatching Chinese citizens to work in Indonesia. The message later quoted the speech, which said President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had asked all businessmen in Indonesia to use China’s yuan.
According to the message that circulated via WhatsApp Messenger and other social media platforms, Gatot delivered the anti-China remarks during a ceremony to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, or Maulid Nabi, on Dec. 11.
TNI spokesperson Brig. Gen. Wuryanto asserted Gatot never attended the ceremony because on that day he accompanied President Jokowi at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta prior to his departure for a state visit to Iran. Gatot departed to Aceh the next day to deliver humanitarian aid to victims of the massive earthquake, which struck Pidie Jaya regency on Dec. 7.
“It’s not true that the TNI commander made such a hateful speech. The [circulating] message, which quoted the speech, is obviously engineered,” Wuryanto said in a statement.
“I would also encourage all citizens to be more selective of messages with quotes from state officials that circulate via WhatsApp or social media,” he added. (ebf)
