ID :
95025
Tue, 12/15/2009 - 18:21
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/95025
The shortlink copeid
KEEP DEMOCRACY FREE FROM OUTSIDERS' INTEREST : ARMY CHIEF
Jakarta, Dec 15 (ANTARA) - Democracy and freedom of expression should be kept free from outsiders' interest so that they do not lead to horizontal conflicts, Army Chief of Staff Gen George Toisutta said here on Tuesday.
"Freedom of expression and differences of view are highly respected in democracy but they should not be a justification to create horizontal conflict and violence," the Army chief of staff said.
Speaking at a function to mark the 64th anniversary of the Army, Toisutta said differences of opinion and freedom of expression should be managed well in order not to be used by outsiders to intervene in Indonesia's domestic affairs.
"Our differences should be a cohesive force for national unity and integrity, and national problems can be solved only if all components of the nation, including the National Defense Forces (TNI) and the people united," he said.
On the occasion, Toisutta underlined the importance of the spirit of nationalism and struggle to strengthen national unity and integrity.
Referring the unity between the TNI and the people , Toisutta said it should be stepped up to guarantee the unity and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
"Besides stepping up the integration between tge TNI and the people , the Army had to be more professional in carrying out its main tasks," Toisutta said, adding that Army soldiers should maintain their identity as professional people and freedom fighters.
Present at the anniversary function were among others former army chiefs of staff such as R Hartono, Ryamizard Ryacudu and Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo.
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"Freedom of expression and differences of view are highly respected in democracy but they should not be a justification to create horizontal conflict and violence," the Army chief of staff said.
Speaking at a function to mark the 64th anniversary of the Army, Toisutta said differences of opinion and freedom of expression should be managed well in order not to be used by outsiders to intervene in Indonesia's domestic affairs.
"Our differences should be a cohesive force for national unity and integrity, and national problems can be solved only if all components of the nation, including the National Defense Forces (TNI) and the people united," he said.
On the occasion, Toisutta underlined the importance of the spirit of nationalism and struggle to strengthen national unity and integrity.
Referring the unity between the TNI and the people , Toisutta said it should be stepped up to guarantee the unity and integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
"Besides stepping up the integration between tge TNI and the people , the Army had to be more professional in carrying out its main tasks," Toisutta said, adding that Army soldiers should maintain their identity as professional people and freedom fighters.
Present at the anniversary function were among others former army chiefs of staff such as R Hartono, Ryamizard Ryacudu and Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo.
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