Recently, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was made in response to concerns circulated on social media, alleging that the bill differed from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online were not the same as the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on strengthening the legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) concerning defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 regarding 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, had previously submitted the list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions are only directed at the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was done to clarify any misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review the draft personally to understand the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The main focus remains on maintaining civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
