TNI Involvement in Non-Military Affairs Must Be Based on State Political Decisions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Although normatively the involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces in the food and health sectors does not violate regulations, the involvement of the TNI in non-military affairs must still be based on the country's political decisions and not for the long term. The excessive involvement of the TNI in non-military affairs is feared to disrupt the readiness of the soldiers.

In addition, food and health matters have always been handled by civilian institutions, such as Bulog, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Agriculture. If these matters are handed over entirely to the military, it may raise public questions regarding the capability of the civilian bureaucracy in carrying out its duties.

In the virtual Army Leadership Meeting held on Monday (3/2/2025), President Prabowo Subianto requested the Army to be involved in the food security program. He asked the Army to assist in food security matters to benefit all parties.

The involvement of the TNI in non-military affairs is possible based on Article 7 paragraph 2 of the TNI Law. In conditions where there is no war, the position of our armed forces is idle. Therefore, empowerment for non-military tasks can indeed be done.

The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, General Maruli Simanjuntak, explained that there are several steps that have been and will be enhanced by the Indonesian Army. For instance, the Indonesian Army will also manage idle or unused land. The yield from this idle land will be used to supply the food needs of the Free Nutritious Meal (MBG) program.

In addition, Maruli mentioned Prabowo's directive to establish a Health Company within the Indonesian Army. As per Prabowo's plan when he became the Minister of Defense, 100 territorial battalions will be formed throughout Indonesia.

Responding to this discourse, the Director of Research at the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE) Anton Aliabbas said that the involvement of the TNI in non-military affairs is possible based on Article 7 paragraph 2 of the TNI Law. "In conditions where there is no war, the position of our armed forces is idle. Therefore, empowerment for non-military tasks can indeed be done," said Anton in Jakarta, Sunday (9/2/2025).

The involvement of the TNI in non-military affairs is possible because this institution has a military organizational structure that reaches remote areas. However, when the government seeks to strengthen food security by deploying available resources, including the TNI, it must be based on a political decision of the state. "The government and the DPR must establish a clear legal basis regarding the involvement of the TNI in military operations other than war (OMSP)," said Anton.

According to Anton, the food and health sectors should remain under the control of the civilian institutions that have been handling them so far. Meanwhile, the involvement of the military in these sectors should be auxiliary, not as the main actor. "If the military becomes the mainstay, civilian institutions could lose their roles, which ultimately endangers both parties, both civilian and military," said Anton.

In addition, Anton reminded that the TNI's involvement in non-military affairs should only be temporary. Long-term involvement can reduce professionalism because the TNI must remain alert and hone its vigilance in maintaining the country's sovereignty and defense. "If they are too involved in non-military tasks on an ongoing basis, this has the potential to erode their combat readiness," said Anton.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS), Rizal Dharma Putra, stated that the involvement of the TNI in the food sector was uncommon because the country was not in a state of emergency.

According to Rizal, although it is not against the rules because the TNI has military operations duties other than war, a strong reason is still needed to deploy the military in the civilian sector. In addition, so far there has been no official statement stating that the civil bureaucracy is experiencing obstacles in supplying food or providing medical equipment.

Deputy Chair of Advocacy for the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Arif Maulana views food security issues as clearly not the task and authority of the TNI, but rather the task of related ministries such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the central and regional governments.

Arif assessed that the approach taken by President Prabowo by placing the TNI in various fields outside its capacity and authority would actually be counterproductive to the government's development plan and have a negative impact on society. He gave an example, the failure of the food estate could have a negative impact on the environment and the development agenda.

In addition, the militaristic approach will restore the practice of ABRI's dual function during the New Order era which has the potential to damage governance, democracy, and marginalize community participation in various fields. "On the other hand, the TNI will lose direction and move further away from the ideals of reform to create professional soldiers who focus on defense issues," said Arif.