Paramedics Targeted by Authorities, Handling of Demonstration Rejecting TNI Bill Considered Increasingly Repressive

The protest rejecting the ratification of the revision of the Military Law has been ongoing for more than a week. It is not only taking place in Jakarta but also in many other cities across the country. Recently, the police's efforts to handle the protests have even been deemed increasingly repressive. Paramedics have also become targets. President Prabowo Subianto is urged to open a dialogue with the public regarding the Military Bill to prevent prolonged demonstrations.

In various cities, protests rejecting the revision of the TNI Law ended in chaos. Security forces often forcibly dispersed the demonstrators, leading to inevitable clashes between the protesters and the authorities. For instance, during a civil society coalition protest in front of the Parliament Building on Gatot Subroto Street, Jakarta, Thursday (27/3/2025). The protest, which initially proceeded peacefully, ended in turmoil as night fell.

However, it was not only the demonstrators targeted by the authorities. Paramedics assisting injured protesters during the demonstration were also targeted. They were searched, and their movements were restricted.

This was narrated by BS (38), one of the paramedic coordinators in the civil society coalition protest. According to BS, who has repeatedly assisted protesters, there is a difference in the standard operating procedures (SOP) for security personnel stationed at the location, particularly concerning paramedic officers.

Paramedic personnel were seemingly suspected of being parties that exacerbated the protest. Consequently, several paramedic personnel were searched by authorities. Bags containing medications were among those inspected. In fact, during previous protests, they had never experienced such treatment.

"We were also not allowed to set up a paramedic post under the Senayan flyover, towards Bendungan Hilir. In fact, every time there was a demonstration at the DPR, that place was always our post to help the injured, such as laying them down on the sidewalk to get help," said BS when contacted, Friday (3/28/2025).

The paramedic team was then instructed to set up a post near the Pulau Dua Restaurant in Senayan, Jakarta. However, according to BS and the team, the location was not ideal as it was too close to the protest crowd. Moreover, if the authorities decided to disperse the demonstrators, the protesters would typically be pushed toward that location.

After long negotiations with the police, they were finally able to set up a paramedic post in its usual place.

However, it did not stop there; BS observed that the authorities acted more "aggressively" in dealing with the protesters. The police on duty dared to strike the protesters stealthily, using batons or bare hands.

The police action that was considered more repressive was also suspected because the masses had prepared better if the demonstration conditions were not conducive. The mass preparation in question included using personal protective equipment to avoid tear gas and water cannon spray.

"I feel like there is an impression that the authorities are being more repressive to spread terror or scare the protesters. Maybe, so that there will be no more further demonstrations," he said.

However, according to BS, last night's incident will not stop public demonstrations rejecting the ratification of the revised TNI Law. After Lebaran, it is not impossible that demonstrations will be held again.

Member of the National Conscience Movement, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, is of the view that the massive demonstrations rejecting the revision of the TNI Law show that there is still a gap between the desires of the elite and the people.

The problem is, the DPR still agreed to ratify the revision of the TNI Law into law on March 20. Then, if we refer to Article 20 Paragraph (5) of the 1945 Constitution, a bill that has received joint approval from the DPR and the President, but has not been ratified by the President, within 30 days will still automatically be valid as a law.

With these conditions, but on the other hand, demonstrations rejecting the revision of the TNI Law are expected to continue, according to him, President Prabowo needs to provide a guarantee or assurance that the dual function of the TNI that is feared by the public will not come back to life from the articles of the revised TNI Law.

Such a Presidential guarantee or warranty should be born from a process of dialogue with representatives of civil society, academics, students, and the press, so as to show that the President has indeed heard the aspirations of his people through the process of dialogue.

"For example, related to the determination of OMSP (Military Operations Other Than War) which is further regulated in government regulations or presidential regulations as derivatives of its implementation arrangements. The creation of these derivative regulations must be stated to involve civil society participation in sufficient opportunity and time," explained the former Minister of Religion.

The revision of the TNI Law changes the basis for implementing OMSP, from being based on state policies and political decisions, to being further regulated by government regulations or presidential regulations. Not only that, the scope of OMSP, which was initially only 14, has become 16. The addition is the authority to assist in efforts to overcome cyber threats; as well as helping to protect, save citizens and national interests abroad.

In addition, Lukman continued, regarding the placement of active TNI members in ministries and institutions, the President needs to emphasize that the placement is subject to the needs of the ministry/institution, not to assignments from leaders in units or forces in the TNI.

Related to that, the revision of the TNI Law adds ministry/institution posts that can be filled by active soldiers, from the original 10 agencies to 14 agencies. The state defense post that was originally separated from the national defense council, is now combined.

In addition, there are additions in five agencies that handle disaster management, counter-terrorism, maritime security, the Attorney General's Office, and border management. Specifically in the Attorney General's Office, in the explanation of Article 47 Paragraph 1 it is stated that positions in the Attorney General's Office that can be filled by active soldiers are positions in the Attorney General's Office in the field of military crimes.

Until now, despite strong public resistance to the revision of the TNI Law, the government and the DPR have not budged. The ratification process continues.

Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said President Prabowo will soon sign the revised TNI Law as a form of ratification of the revised results into law. Meanwhile, House Speaker Puan Maharani a few days ago asked the public to pay attention to changes in the TNI Law before and after it is passed.

"So please let's all restrain ourselves and please read it, it's already on the DPR website and can be read by the public," he said.