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 action was taken to address concerns circulating on social media claiming that the bill deviated from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online differ from the one being discussed in Commission I of the DPR RI, with a specific focus on three key articles.
The three articles under review are Article 3, Paragraph (2) which deals with defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning 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 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 aimed at the three specified articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was intended to clarify any misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review the draft themselves to understand the revisions and dispel any concerns raised on social media. The main objective remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR dedicated to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
