Government Denies TNI Law Revision to Restore ABRI's Dual Function

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The government denies allegations of efforts to reinstate the dual function of the Armed Forces as during the New Order era through the revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces or TNI. While acknowledging public criticism as part of the dialectics of state governance, the government also reminds that democratic practices should not go overboard.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi denied allegations that the revision of the TNI Law was an effort to reinstate the dual function of ABRI as in the New Order era. The controversial article granting the President the authority to place active TNI soldiers in civilian positions as needed is no longer present.

"So, do not let what is being polemicized actually not exist in the discussion of the DIM (Problem Inventory List)," said Prasetyo in Jakarta, Monday (17/3/2025).

He urged all parties to be more thorough in understanding the substance of the revisions to the TNI Law. He also requested that no party make statements suggesting the return of the dual function of the TNI as seen during the New Order era. He emphasized that the revision of the TNI Law is necessary to strengthen the TNI institution.

Furthermore, Prasetyo provided an example of how cyber technology has now become an essential part of national defense, necessitating revisions to the Military Law. Another example is in disaster management, which involves both the military and the police. According to him, the military and police are, in fact, the front line in carrying out disaster-related duties.

"Therefore, please refrain from making statements that seem to suggest the return of the dual function of ABRI. That is not the case. What is being revised here is aimed at strengthening the TNI as a vital institution of our nation, both in safeguarding our sovereignty and addressing various issues faced by our country," said Prasetyo.

Although there is strong opposition to the revision of the TNI Law, Prasetyo urged that the criticism be conveyed appropriately. The government understands public criticism as part of the dialectics of state governance, but it also reminds that democratic practices should not be excessive.

"As I said earlier, democracy is allowed, but it must not be excessive. The spirit must be constructive, the energy must be positive. If there are elements of society who provide input, convey it well, convey it constructively. Of course, it must be thorough, it must be clear what is being polemicized. Don't polemicize something that doesn't exist," said Prasetyo.

Meanwhile, Commission I together with government representatives continue to discuss the revision of the TNI Law. In the circulating Commission I meeting agenda, it was stated that on Monday (17/3/2025) at 10.00 WIB there was a meeting of the Formulation Team (Timus) and the government Synchronization Team (Timsin) regarding the discussion of the Bill on Amendments to Law Number 34/2004 concerning the TNI in the DPR Budget Room, Nusantara II, Jakarta.

The closed meeting was confirmed by member of Commission I of the House of Representatives TB Hasanuddin. The meeting was still ongoing until 15.00 WIB. He could not confirm whether the revision of the TNI Law would be ratified in the plenary meeting held on Thursday (20/3/2025).

"Regarding this matter, it depends on the leadership of the DPR and Commission I," he said.

Before the meeting to formulate and synchronize the Bill on Amendments to the TNI Law was held, the DPR Leadership and Commission I first held a press conference to explain the polemics that occurred in the community regarding the revision of the TNI Law. In addition to concerns regarding the emergence of the TNI's dual function through civilian positions filled by soldiers, the discussion of this Law was also considered by the public to be rushed because it was discussed over the weekend.

Several articles that have become polemics in society have been explained and the DPR is committed to upholding the supremacy of law in designing the revision of the TNI Law. Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad said that the discussion of the revision of the TNI Law was not accelerated. He stated that the discussion was carried out openly and was in accordance with the rules and mechanisms for making laws.

"I said, there is no rush in the revision of the TNI Law. As we know, the revision of the TNI Law has been going on for several months. And it was discussed in Commission I including inviting public participation," he said.

The meeting held on Saturday (15/3) at the Fairmont Hotel, Jakarta, was widely shared on social media. Several members of the civil society coalition from the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) entered the meeting room and protested.

There was a shoving match between security officers and protesters. The issue of the dual function of the TNI and soldiers who can occupy civilian positions was uttered by the protesters.

Dasco denied the issue stating that the meeting at the Fairmont Hotel was conducted behind closed doors and secretly. He stated that the DPR invited several parties to conduct the consignment and that it was in accordance with the rules and was conducted openly.

This consignment refers to the activity of gathering for intensive and urgent discussions. The discussion schedule was also shortened from four days to two days under the pretext of budget efficiency.

"Consignment in every discussion of the law does have rules and does not violate the existing mechanism. Even if I saw yesterday, the planning was reduced to two days for efficiency," he explained.

Regarding the dual function issue, Dasco also denied it by presenting the results of the discussion in the press conference. He also stated that the rejection on social media was not in accordance with the substance of the discussion.

According to Dasco, the discussion regarding the revision of the TNI Law so far has only focused on three articles, namely Article 3, Article 47, and Article 53. He said that these articles are not intended to expand the TNI's authority in the public sphere and are instead intended to strengthen this military institution from within.

"We monitor the rejections on social media. I see that the substance and problems are very much not in accordance with the discussion. There are only three articles and if you look at it, this is an internal strengthening," he said.

Separately, MPR Chairman Ahmad Muzani said the revision of the TNI Law was needed to strengthen the TNI institution. He also denied that the revision would not restore the TNI's dual function.

"So the adjustment to the situation after the last revision was several years, especially the TNI is a very important force, its role is very vital for the country. I think it's just an adjustment," said Muzani.