Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, recently distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was made in response to concerns circulating on social media about the bill deviating from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online are different from the one being discussed in Commission I of the DPR RI, with the revisions focusing on enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) on defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to hold positions in specific ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously submitted the list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, which contained proposed amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the three specified articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists aimed to clarify misunderstandings and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to examine the draft themselves to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The main focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
