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. This move was made in response to concerns circulating on social media, claiming that the bill strayed from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts available online differ from the one under discussion in Commission I of the DPR RI, with a focus on strengthening legal frameworks to prevent future violations 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 occupy positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had previously presented 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 solely directed at the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s roles and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists aimed to clarify misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to examine the draft themselves to grasp the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The primary focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR’s commitment to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
