SOLDIERS ASKED NOT TO COMMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Palangkaraya, C Kalimantan, June 22 (ANTARA) - Tanjungpura
regional military commander Major General Tono Suratman has asked soldiers not to comment on or meddle in activities related to the July 8, 2009 presidential election.

"Soldiers should not be emotionally moved or feel involved to the extent of commenting on affairs related to the presidential/vice presidential election," Tono Suratman said here on Monday.

He made the remark at a ceremony marking the transfer of the post of Panju Panjung district military commander from
Col Judy Harianto to Col Arm Rudiono Edy S.
Comments voiced by soldiers on the presdeintial election could disturb the situation, Suratman said, stressing that
soldiers should firmly uphold the principle of impartiality.

In addition, soldiers were also required to avoid being inappropriately involved activities related to the presidential election.

"I remind all soldiers that the presidential race will take place in the near future, so that they have to create a conducive situation prior to the poll," he said.

Suratman also asked soldiers to uphold their military identity and act correctly as members of a people's army, national army and professional army.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) has set schedules for closed-door campaigning from June 2 to 10, and mass rallies from June 11 to July 4, 2009. The presidential elections will be held on July 8, 2009.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who pairs with Boediono, is to compete with other candidates, namely Jusuf Kalla and Wiranto, as well as with former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and Prabowo Subianto in the upcoming presidential race. ***1***