The Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, recently provided journalists with the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill. This action was a response to concerns circulating on social media, claiming that the bill deviated from the ongoing discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the versions of the drafts spread online are different from the one under discussion in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on strengthening 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 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 only target the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the functions and operations of the TNI.
The distribution of the draft to journalists aimed to address misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The primary goal remains to uphold civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
