Commander Says Revised TNI Law Gives Clear Limits to Active Soldiers' Authority in Civilian Positions

JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, General TNI Agus Subiyanto, in his address stated that the revision of the TNI Law is drafted while adhering to the principles of civilian supremacy and democracy, as well as being based on applicable law. The revision also provides clarity on the limitations of active military personnel's authority in holding civil positions, thus alleviating any excessive concerns.

The dynamics of the strategic environment require the TNI to continuously adapt and become increasingly professional in carrying out its duties as the main component of national defense. The government feels the need to take concrete steps in responding to these dynamics through the process of revising Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI.

This was conveyed by the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, General Agus Subiyanto, in a mandate read by the Assistant Staff Officer for Humanitarian Assistance, Major General Suherlan, during the Flag Ceremony on the 17th. The ceremony, attended by soldiers and civil servants of the Indonesian National Armed Forces at the TNI Headquarters, took place at the B3 Field of the TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Thursday (17/4/2025).

This revision remains committed to the principle of civilian supremacy and is formulated based on the principles of democracy and applicable law, while also providing clarity on the limitations of active military personnel in holding civil positions, thereby alleviating any excessive concerns.

"This revision remains committed to the principle of civilian supremacy and is formulated based on the principles of democracy and applicable law, while also providing clarity on the limitations of active military personnel in holding civil positions, thus there is no need for excessive concern," said the Commander through a release from the TNI Information Center.

Furthermore, the Commander of the National Armed Forces requested all soldiers and civil servants within the military environment to consistently uphold the integrity and positive image of the institution in the eyes of the public. "I want to emphasize that all soldiers and civil servants of the National Armed Forces must possess integrity and maintain the image of the National Armed Forces in the eyes of the public. This can be implemented through adherence to regulations and ethical values, to build a positive image as a key component of national defense," he stated.

The TNI will continue to transform into a professional, responsive, integrative, modern, and adaptive institution while firmly upholding noble values such as Sapta Marga, the Soldier's Oath, and the 8 Obligations of the TNI. This is carried out by continuously enhancing faith and piety as the moral foundation of service, strengthening solidarity and synergy with various components of the nation and other agencies to support national development programs.

As is known, President Prabowo Subianto signed Law Number 3 of 2025 concerning Amendments to Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces. This new TNI Law was signed by President Prabowo Subianto on March 26, 2024.

Meanwhile, Senior Researcher of Imparsial Al Araf highlighted the changes in the regulation of military operations other than war (OMSP) for the National Armed Forces in Law No. 3 of 2025. Now, the assignment of OMSP no longer requires a political decision from the state. In contrast, under Law No. 34 of 2004, OMSP assignments had to go through a political decision from the state, namely a decision from the President with the consideration of the Parliament.

"This means that the military can re-enter to maintain security within the country and in civilian areas with greater latitude to confront existing threats, similar to what occurred during the New Order era. Thus, this article will expand the military's involvement in civilian domains," said Araf.

The expanding scope of OMSP for the TNI, according to Araf, will inherently weaken the professionalism of the TNI. The military will be occupied with auxiliary tasks. Conversely, its primary duty of conducting war operations to maintain the sovereignty of the state will be disrupted.