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 step was taken to address concerns circulating on social media, claiming that the bill differed from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online were not the same as the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI. He highlighted that the proposed revisions mainly focus on enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) regarding defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to assume positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had previously submitted the problem inventory list (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, presenting suggested amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was intended to provide clarity on misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to examine the draft themselves to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The primary focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR demonstrating its commitment to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
