President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has reminded the personnel of the Indonesian Military (TNI) to guard the state ideology of Pancasila and fight against communism, including the remains of the now-defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI).

During his address to commemorate the 73^rd anniversary of the TNI on Friday, Jokowi said that his role as Commander in Chief, was to join hands with the military personnel to protect Indonesia, the 1945 Constitution and the country's motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).

"Together with [military personnel] we are fighting against other ideologies outside Pancasila, eradicating communism and the legacy of the PKI," Jokowi said at the TNI headquarters in East Jakarta on Friday.

The PKI, which was blamed for being behind a failed coup attempt on Sept. 30 in 1965, was disbanded with the 1966 Temporary People's Consultative Assembly Decree.

Jokowi himself has been repeatedly accused by his opponents of being a member of the PKI since he began campaigning for the presidency in 2014. The President has denied the rumors on a number of occasions.

During his speech, Jokowi also called for the TNI to improve its professionalism and continue support for the country's democracy and development, while reminding all military personnel to refrain from practical politics since their loyalty was only for the interest of the state and nation.

His statement comes at a time when the country is bracing for the upcoming 2019 presidential and legislative elections, which will be held simultaneously on April 17 next year.

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