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 initiative was taken in response to concerns circulating on social media, alleging discrepancies between the circulated drafts and the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts available online do not align with the ongoing discussions in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly focusing on three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) concerning defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 on 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 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 are solely targeted at the three aforementioned articles, prioritizing civilian supremacy in the TNI’s functions and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists aimed to address misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review the draft independently to comprehend the revisions and counter any concerns raised on social media. The primary objective remains to uphold civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR dedicated to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
