The 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 regarding alleged deviations from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online differ from the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on fortifying the legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three specific articles.
These 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 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 target only the three specified articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was aimed at clarifying misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review 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 committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
