Jakarta – The government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law is now being realized through serious steps to respond to the people’s aspirations, summarized in the 17+8 demands. These aspirations have not only garnered public attention, but have also been accommodated by the government with support from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and student organizations, marking a new direction for increasingly inclusive Indonesian democracy.
The Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center, Brigadier General TNI (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, emphasized that the TNI highly respects and appreciates the people’s demands. For him, the people’s courage to voice their aspirations is part of strengthening the law and democracy.
“The TNI highly respects and appreciates these demands within the framework of Indonesian law and democracy,” said Freddy Ardianzah.
Furthermore, Freddy assured that the TNI will always uphold civilian supremacy and comply with applicable legal regulations. “Whatever policies are given to the TNI, they will be implemented as best as possible and with honor,” he emphasized.
Three key points addressed to the TNI include encouraging soldiers to return to their barracks, ending their involvement in civilian security, and strengthening internal discipline to prevent them from taking over the functions of the National Police. Freddy stated that all of this input is part of an internal evaluation to maintain the TNI’s professionalism in accordance with the constitution.
From the student community, the Head of the UPNVJ Student Executive Board (BEM UPNVJ), Kaleb Otniel Aritonang, emphasized that the government had directly received the 17+8 aspirations. He said the government had given a positive signal to accommodate the voices of students and the public.
“My friends have conveyed this directly to the Minister of State Secretary and the Minister of Higher Education. Both have agreed that 17+8 will be accommodated as part of the people’s aspirations that must be implemented,” said Kaleb Otniel Aritonang.
Kaleb emphasized that the executive, judiciary, and legislative branches must work together to uphold civilian supremacy. The military is an instrument of the state, and it is appropriate for it to return to its barracks.
Support also came from national student organizations. The General Chair of PB-HMI, Bagas Kurniawan, emphasized the importance of the government seriously reforming public institutions.
“The government must seriously improve public institutions. Healthy institutions are those that are able to absorb the people’s aspirations and distribute their rights fairly,” explained Bagas Kurniawan.
With the government’s consistency, the TNI’s commitment, and the encouragement of students, the 17+8 aspirations are proof that the rule of law is now a real presence in national life. This process demonstrates that the state listens to the people and ensures a strong, just, and legally based democracy.
The synergy between the government, the TNI, and students reflects a new, healthy face of national politics. The 17+8 aspirations are not only a corrective momentum, but also a strategic foundation for Indonesia to continue upholding the law, maintaining democracy, and strengthening public trust in the state.