debate Over TNI Law Revision Heats Up Following Protest
Table of Contents
- 1. debate Over TNI Law Revision Heats Up Following Protest
- 2. Speaker Addresses Security Concerns
- 3. Protests Disrupt Deliberations
- 4. Concerns About Dwifungsi
- 5. Transparency and Public Participation
- 6. Call to Action
- 7. Given teh concerns raised about potential expansion of TNI’s role and the historical context of “dwifungsi”, how can the revision of the TNI Law ensure a balance between national security needs and the preservation of civilian control?
- 8. TNI Law Revision: an Expert’s Perspective on Clarity and Dwifungsi Concerns
- 9. Understanding the Core Issues of the TNI Law Revision
- 10. The Protest and Transparency Concerns
- 11. Dwifungsi: A Lingering Concern
- 12. Transparency: A Critical need?
- 13. Public Participation: How Can People Get Involved?
- 14. Looking Ahead: A Thought-Provoking Question
Jakarta, March 17, 2025 – The revision of the TNI Law (RUU) is facing increased scrutiny after a meeting between the DPR (People’s Representative Council) and the government at the Fairmont Hotel in Jakarta was disrupted by protestors. The incident has sparked concerns regarding transparency and the potential for the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) to overstep its boundaries.
Speaker Addresses Security Concerns
DPR Speaker Puan Maharani addressed the incident,highlighting the need for respectful discourse and adherence to protocol. She stated, “Friends also know that there are those who occupy or enter without permission,” referring to the protestors who interrupted the TNI Bill meeting. Maharani further emphasized the inappropriateness of such actions, stating, “So indeed, if in any event, it is then entered without permission, it is not allowed, it is not worth doing. It goes into a house that is not his home.”
Protests Disrupt Deliberations
The Working Committee Meeting (Panja) of the House of Representatives Commission I, tasked with discussing the TNI Bill, was targeted by a group identifying themselves as part of a security sector reform coalition. The coalition demanded the cessation of the panja meeting, arguing that it was being conducted without sufficient public oversight. One protestor, named Andrie, declared, “We are from the Reform Coalition of the observer security sector in defense, stop, because it is not in accordance with this,” speaking at the Fairmont Hotel on Saturday, March 15th, 2025.
The protestors voiced concerns that the closed-door nature of the discussions lacked transparency. They expressed fears that the TNI Bill could lead to a revival of the ABRI dwifunction, a controversial doctrine from the past where the military held both security and sociopolitical roles.
Concerns About Dwifungsi
The concept of “ABRI dwifungsi” raises concerns among civil society groups, who fear a return to an era where the military’s influence extended beyond its core function of national defense. Critics argue that such a system can undermine democratic institutions and civilian control over the military. The protestors made their stance quite clear when stating, “Dear men, who are said to want to be respected, we reject the discussion inside, we reject the existence of ABRI dwifunction, stop the discussion process TNI Bill.”
Transparency and Public Participation
The protest underscores the importance of transparency and public participation in the legislative process, especially concerning laws that could significantly impact the role and power of the military. Ensuring open dialog and incorporating diverse perspectives can definitely help build trust and legitimacy in the lawmaking process. Openly publishing drafts of the revisions and holding public forums could promote transparency.
Call to Action
Stay informed about the TNI Law revision and engage with your elected representatives to voice your opinions.Public awareness and participation are crucial to ensuring that this legislation reflects the values of a democratic society. Learn more about how you can advocate for transparency and accountability in military affairs.
Given teh concerns raised about potential expansion of TNI’s role and the historical context of “dwifungsi”, how can the revision of the TNI Law ensure a balance between national security needs and the preservation of civilian control?
TNI Law Revision: an Expert’s Perspective on Clarity and Dwifungsi Concerns
The proposed revision of the TNI Law (RUU) in Indonesia has sparked significant debate, highlighted by recent protests. To understand the complexities,we spoke with Dr. Anya Setiawan, a political analyst specializing in Indonesian civil-military relations.
Understanding the Core Issues of the TNI Law Revision
Archyde: Dr. Setiawan, thank you for joining us. Can you briefly explain the core issues surrounding the TNI Law revision and why it’s generating so much discussion?
Dr. Setiawan: Certainly. The primary concern revolves around the potential expansion of the TNI’s role,particularly in areas traditionally reserved for civilian authorities. This ties into historical anxieties about the “dwifungsi” concept, where the military had both security and socio-political functions. People worry about a return to that era.
The Protest and Transparency Concerns
Archyde: We saw protests disrupting a key meeting about the TNI Bill revision. What does this tell us about public sentiment toward the process?
Dr. Setiawan: The protest underscores a deep-seated concern about transparency. The fact that discussions were held behind closed doors fueled suspicion that the revisions might expand the TNI’s power without proper public scrutiny. People want to be involved in shaping laws that could significantly alter the balance of power in the contry.
Dwifungsi: A Lingering Concern
Archyde: The term “dwifungsi” keeps resurfacing. Why is this historical concept still so relevant in today’s context?
Dr. Setiawan: “Dwifungsi” symbolizes a period when the military wielded considerable political influence, sometimes at the expense of democratic principles. Its resurgence in discussions highlights the fear that the TNI Law revision could inadvertently empower the military beyond its core defense responsibilities, potentially undermining civilian control and democratic institutions.
Transparency: A Critical need?
Archyde: What, in your opinion, are the most crucial steps the government and the DPR (People’s Representative Council) can take to adequately address civil society’s concerns regarding the amendment of the TNI Law?
Dr. Setiawan: the first and most obvious thing is transparency. Publishing drafts of the revisions, holding open public forums, being receptive and responsive to public comments, and really engaging with expert opinions will do them well.
Public Participation: How Can People Get Involved?
Archyde: What avenues are available for the public to voice their opinions and participate in the TNI Law revision process? What is at stake concerning public participation?
Dr. Setiawan: Engage with elected representatives with constructive ideas, participate in public consultations if held, and amplify their position through open letters and public events. Actively championing a clear understanding and championing of the checks and balances in any democracy is crucial. At stake is the long-term stability and health of the Indonesian democracy.
Looking Ahead: A Thought-Provoking Question
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Setiawan, for your insights. considering all the angles, do you believe it’s possible to revise the TNI Law in a way that strengthens national security while simultaneously safeguarding democratic values? And what role does public trust play in achieving that balance? We invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below.
