Antara, Jakarta – A group of people joined under the Advokat Merdeka Pembela Rakyat (Freedom Advocate, Defender of the People) or Ampera, on Monday reported the Youtube channel touted the 'Menara Istana' to the Metro Jaya Police over allegedly spreading false information related to the 2024 presidential election.
The video content reported to the police published by Menara Istana is one that suggested thousands of military personnel led by the Armed Forces (TNI) commander Yudo Margono had openly declared support for Anies Baswedan, who is the former Jakarta governor who will run for the upcoming presidential race.
"The report was filed by Hartono SH, a member of the advocate group," said Ampera chairperson Muhammad Mualimin at the Metro Jaya Police headquarters on May 23, Antaranews reported.
According to Mualimin, the advocacy group decided to file a police report as the video content seemingly suggests the TNI commander had officially thousands of soldiers to declare Anies Baswedan's 2024 candidacy, which is legally prohibited as the military is required to maintain political neutrality.
The individual, or group, behind the Youtube channel has yet to be revealed but will possibly face legal violations under Articles 14 and 15 of Law No. 1/1946 of the Criminal Code.
The TNI spokesperson Colonel Sus Aidil asserted that members of the military will continue to assert political neutrality and not support any of the candidates in the 2024 presidential election.