Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday asked armed force (TNI) and police to remain neutral as the country gears up for general election this year.

President Yudhoyono called military and police officers to keep staying away from involving in politics. "The neutrality of military and police officers the expectation of Indonesian people. There must not be any military and police officer involving in the political sphere," he said at police academy here.

The military and police have pulled out from political activities since 2004, by dissolving their faction in the parliament.

President Yudhoyono asked both the police and military to maximally performing duties in securing the upcoming-presidential and legislative polls this year.

Indonesia has been successful in establishing the first direct polls in 2009.

Yudhoyono, who will end his second term this year, expressed appreciation for cooperation of the two security elements in carrying out services to the country.

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