Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), recently distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists to address concerns circulating on social media. This move aimed to clarify misconceptions about the bill, which were claimed to deviate from actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco pointed out that the drafts circulating online differ from the one being discussed in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is to strengthen legal frameworks to prevent future violations, especially in three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) concerning defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 regarding 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 had previously submitted the list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was an effort to dispel concerns raised on social media and provide clarity on the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves to understand the revisions and address any criticisms. The focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
