Jakarta – A warning by the Indonesian army's chief of staff that troops would be deployed if next year's general election turned into bloody chaos shows that the military wants to make a political comeback, says a human rights organisation.

General Ryamizard Ryacudu's comment, made during the army's anniversary celebration on Monday, was also part of an attempt to intimidate political parties contesting the election, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation chief Munarman said.

"With the statement made during the army's full show of force, political parties would likely think twice before saying their candidates were against the military," he said.

During the event, the army showed off weapons and troops, including 8,000 soldiers from its newly-established battalions under the Raiders Unit.

"The statement is clearly out of place. Issues regarding the political situation and national security are the authority of the president and related ministers, not of operational military officers such as the army chief," said Mr Munarman.

He urged all national bodies, particularly the military, to remember and to stay committed to the consensus that the military must quit its socio-political role and focus on its security function.

Nor should the people be trapped by the military's stratagems in the elections, he said. They should vote for candidates who are committed to reform and democracy and have the courage to keep the military out of politics, he added.