Camp at the DPR Gate to Prevent the TNI Bill from Being Passed

The revision of the TNI Law has been rejected by various segments of society. The stance of the DPR and the government, which seems to turn a deaf ear, has further fueled their anger. In fact, some elements of the community have deliberately camped at one of the entrances to the DPR complex in Jakarta to ensure that the regulation is not passed.

A group of residents began camping at the Pancasila Gate of the DPR, the entrance to the DPR complex from Jalan Gelora, Jakarta, early Thursday morning (20/3/2025). They arrived at around 12:00 a.m. WIB. Dozens of individuals, mostly consisting of young people, remained there until 10:00 a.m. WIB, coinciding with the commencement of the DPR Plenary Meeting with the agenda of approving the ratification of the TNI Bill into law. Three tents erected since the night were also still standing firmly.

"Everything happened just like that. This unrest had existed since the night before. So, we thought, why not try blocking the entrance," said Salsa (26), one of the residents who participated in camping.

Salsa was able to participate in the camping protest after monitoring the social media platform X through the hashtag #TolakRUUTNI. It turned out that many people shared the same concerns as hers. Therefore, she did not mind bringing her small tent set to be used collectively.

Not always solidarity is manifested by joining camping. Some people who cannot join provide assistance through food deliveries. This can be seen from the remains of fast food wrappers that are strewn around the tent yard.

"So, not all of them came. Our action, after all, was also uploaded to social media. That's why there are always people sending food," said Salsa.

Although she had already set up a tent, Salsa was unable to close her eyes all night. She was too anxious about missing the moment of the ratification of the TNI Bill. As a result, her eyes remained wide open until the sun began to feel scorching around 10:00 AM WIB.

"We spent the whole night just talking. We couldn't even sleep. Our minds were filled with various thoughts. Just yesterday, a meeting was held at a luxury hotel. Are we going to be caught off guard again?" said Salsa.

Personally, Salsa said, his concern lies in the return of the TNI's dual function as it was in the New Order era. According to him, it denies the spirit of reform that prioritizes civilian supremacy. On the other hand, he considered that the armed forces did not have the competence to fill civilian positions.

The same concerns were also expressed by another resident, Johan (32). Like Salsa, he also joined the camping. However, he only went home briefly before returning to the camping site.

According to Johan, the TNI should fill positions that are in accordance with their competence. Especially positions that concern security matters. It is feared that a militaristic approach will be used if more and more armed personnel fill civilian positions.

"Moreover, they have weapons. I'm afraid they will misuse them when they lead. Let civilian positions be handled by civilians," said Johan, who works as an entrepreneur.

Until 11.00 WIB, the number of demonstrators who came increased. The number reached dozens of people. Most of them wore black clothes. Almost all of them wore masks.

However, the protesters were stopped in front of the gate. They tried to force their way in. The large iron gate was beaten and pelted with stones. However, the attempt failed to break through the wall.

Meanwhile, security forces are guarding the DPR complex. The security is seen being carried out by police officers. A number of tactical vehicles are also on standby.

At around 11:39 WIB, dozens of demonstrators moved to another point. They will continue their action to the DPR Main Gate on Jalan Gatot Subroto even though the DPR has agreed to ratify the TNI Bill. Three tents used for overnight stays were also brought. According to the plan, students from various campuses in Jakarta will also demonstrate to reject the ratification of the TNI Bill, at the DPR Main Gate this afternoon.

Even though various groups strongly reject the TNI Bill, the DPR in its Plenary Meeting this morning still agreed to pass the TNI Bill.

The DPR Plenary Meeting with the agenda of approving the ratification of the revision of the TNI Law was led by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani. The meeting was also attended by a number of ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, namely Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, State Secretary Minister Prasetyo, and also attended by TNI Commander General TNI Agus Subiyanto.

There was no rejection or interruption from members of the DPR who attended the DPR Plenary Meeting when Puan asked for approval to pass the TNI Bill into law.

"We emphasize that the changes to the TNI Law are still based on the values and principles of democracy, civil supremacy, human rights, and comply with national and international laws that have been ratified," said Puan Maharani before asking for approval for the ratification of the TNI Bill.