Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has recently provided journalists with the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill. This step was taken in response to concerns circulating on social media, claiming discrepancies between the circulated bill and the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the versions of the bill circulating online differ from the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the proposed 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 specific 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, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the three aforementioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s roles and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was aimed at clarifying misconceptions and addressing criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review the draft themselves to comprehend the proposed 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.