Febriamy Hutapea – The head of the Armed Forces, or TNI, again on Tuesday ordered the military to remain politically neutral during the run-up to legislative and presidential elections this year.

"We will not become involved in politics and we have to keep an eye on efforts to compromise our neutrality," TNI Chief of Staff Gen. Djoko Santoso told thousands of officers at the Navy-owned Balai Samudra convention center in North Jakarta. The meeting, also known as a commander's call, allows the TNI's senior leadership to speak directly to military officers.

Hot on the heels of the so-called "S" incident in which President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono alleged that there were forces within the TNI actively engaging in the campaign, Djoko said allowing election advertisements to be placed by parties outside military installations or property could be viewed as a breach of neutrality.

"Don't be uncertain about such a situation. You have to be firm and remove all party slogans," Djoko said. "The final word is that we are neutral."

The TNI enacted a code barring active military personnel from political activities, including participation in political events or serving as volunteers. A new handbook regarding political neutrality rules for the military was issued last year.

Djoko talked to the crowd about service and commitment, encouraging them to be ready to face threats to the nation's unity.

The general also told his troops to communicate openly with residents. "Remember we are not dealing with the enemy, but our own people," he said.

During former President Suharto's rule, the military was used as a tool to secure and maintain political power.