Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has recently distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was made in response to circulating concerns on social media, which alleged that the bill did not align with the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online are different from the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on reinforcing 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 a list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, which outlined proposed amendments to the current TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions are solely aimed at the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was intended to clarify any misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves in order to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The core objective remains to uphold civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR dedicated to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
