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fter officially retiring on Sunday, former Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, hinting at the possibility of participating in the 2019 presidential election, has said that he will still serve the country.

“Starting today, I have the same rights and responsibilities as other civilians, including the rights to vote and be voted for in the next election,” he said on Sunday as reported by kompas.com.

After serving in the Army for 36 years, he said that retirement would not stop him from serving the country in other areas. However, Gatot planned to prioritize time with his family first before deciding on his next move.

“I thank everyone and all parties, especially the Army, which has supported me the entire way, as well as the constructive critics. I also thank President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, a good leader who had mandated his trust to me,” he added.

Gatot, who was replaced by Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto in December, turned 58 on March 13 and officially retired on Sunday. During his tenure as military chief, he was slammed by critics who claimed he used his position to advance political agendas. He reportedly registered himself as a presidential or vice presidential candidate through the Gerindra Party last month.

His name has been listed as a potential vice presidential candidate in several surveys.