Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, recently distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists to address concerns circulating on social media. This action was taken to clarify that the bill under discussion in Commission I of the DPR RI differs from the drafts circulating online. Dasco emphasized that the proposed revisions focus on enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, especially in three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) on defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to hold positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin submitted a list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists aimed to dispel misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves to understand the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The primary focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
