TNI is Professional and Non-Political

Nearly three decades into the reform era, the temptation to bring the military back into the civilian and political sphere has grown increasingly stronger in recent times.

The 1998 Reform was one of the mandates to reorganize the position of the TNI within the context of democratic civil-military relations. The dual-function doctrine of ABRI during the New Order era became a tool of Suharto's authoritarianism during his 32 years in power. After the reform, the dual-function mantra of ABRI became a frightening narrative due to the 32-year experience under the authoritarian regime of the New Order.

However, recently, the non-military functions of the TNI are no longer a taboo subject. High-ranking TNI officials openly desire the military to have multiple roles, multi-functions, rather than just dual functions.

The spirit of the times may change. The non-military role of the TNI is indeed formulated through various military operations other than war (OMSP). However, when active military personnel are asked to once again fill positions in civilian government, the context becomes far more complex than simply stating that the TNI has a non-military function as in the case of OMSP.

As an organization with a command structure and strict discipline, the TNI has historically proven to play an important role in helping to address the nation's problems.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the role of the TNI was vital in helping to address this issue. Similarly, now, as President Prabowo Subianto's administration has a primary program on food security, the TNI has also been asked to be directly involved in its realization.

However, when the position of head of the Logistics Affairs Agency (Bulog) was then held by an active TNI general, of course the question arose whether the civil servant was not competent enough. The further question is, does the filling of the government position not violate the TNI Law?

The reason that there is a memorandum of understanding between the TNI and BUMN as the basis for appointing an active general as the head of Bulog is clearly unacceptable. Is the memorandum of understanding higher than the law?

The TNI Law does regulate civil government positions that may be held by active TNI members. Member of Commission I of the DPR, TB Hasanuddin, also reminded that there are only 10 positions in government that can be filled by active officers without having to resign.

For that reason, what the 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that active TNI soldiers must resign when entering the world of politics or government, must be an important reminder. Resigning from the TNI to be active in politics and government is the main doctrine of TNI reform.

The government needs to be reminded that based on the TNI Law, professional soldiers are soldiers who are trained, educated, well-equipped, do not engage in practical politics, do not do business, and whose welfare is guaranteed, and who follow the state's political policies which adhere to the principles of democracy, civil supremacy, human rights, national legal provisions, and international law.