Achmad Nasrudin Yahya, Jakarta – Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL) Admiral Yudo Margono has explicitly stated that the Navy will dismiss any personnel from the service if it is proven that they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).
Margono conveyed this to cadets from the Navy Academy's class of 66 at the academy's Warriors Indoor Sports Centre in Bumimoro, Surabaya, East Java on Tuesday June 22, 2021.
"LGBT moral violations and mental companionships which are not in accordance with the state ideology, the Sapta Marga [seven-point personnel commitment], the Sumpah Prajurit [five-point personnel oath] the Delapan Wajib TNI [eight-point personnel duties], the Navy's Trisila [three principles] and the Hree Dharma Shanty [disgrace for one's shortcomings] shall be subject to dismissal from the service", said Margono in a Navy information office release on Wednesday June 23.
Margono believes that a very real moral degradation is pervading the younger generation which is susceptible to global influences. He asserted that LGBT goes against religious values and the state ideology.
"The existence of the [pro-]LGBT movement absolutely conflicts with the lofty ideals of religion and the state ideology. This represents a moral threat which will have to be confronted", he said. In addition to this, he also cited the influx of radical and extremist ideas into society.
Margono warned the next generation of Navy officers that they face future challenges, burdens and duties which are increasingly heavy, complex and dynamic.
Bearing in mind the challenges and threats that exist, he said that Navy Academy graduates must have a strong character and be capable of leading as well has having competence as professional soldiers.
Because of this, he asked the female and male Navy Academy cadets to maintain solidarity and togetherness with their class.
"You the 101 personnel must continue to stand together shoulder-to-shoulder, and not just because your profession, but because this [duty] will fall to you mutually", said Margono.
"It is difficult to be successful without helping each other. You must be strong from this point on, the challenges of this era are far heavier than my era, so from this you must stand together shoulder-to-shoulder and help each other", he said.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "KSAL Ancam Pecat Prajurit TNI AL dengan Dalih Terbukti LGBT".]
