Jakarta – The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Student Regiment, M. Arwani Deni, assessed that there were indications of the involvement of external forces in the polemic of the rejection of the TNI Law recently.
Arwani said that the current developing issue is not only related to domestic political dynamics, but also has the potential to be related to geopolitical conflicts in the Pacific region.
“We cannot close our eyes to the fact that Indonesia as a large country has a strategic role, and there are parties who do not want Indonesia to become stronger, both militarily and economically,” said Arwani.
Arwani emphasized that Indonesia’s position amidst global rivalry is increasingly significant, especially after Indonesia entered BRICS. This economic bloc consists of large countries such as China, Russia, Brazil, India, and South Africa, which have so far been considered as balancing forces to Western dominance.
“We must be aware that Indonesia’s entry into BRICS is not just an economic step, but also reflects a commitment to world multipolarity. This is certainly not desired by countries that have so far wanted to maintain their hegemony,” he said.
Indonesia’s presence in BRICS and the revision of the TNI Law, he added, will have a significant impact on national resilience, including in the field of defense.
“Indonesia’s joining BRICS and the revision of the TNI Law are actually part of an effort to increase the professionalism and readiness of the Indonesian military in facing global threats. We must be suspicious of this baseless rejection as to whether there is intervention from foreign parties,” explained Arwani.
Furthermore, Arwani emphasized that the narrative built in rejecting the revision of the TNI Law is often not based on accurate facts, but rather is driven more by opinions that lead to negative perceptions of the military.
“If we examine it, many of the arguments used to reject this law are more emotional than substantial. This is a classic pattern that is often used to weaken the country’s defense institution,” he added.
He also hopes that the entire community can better understand the larger context of the revision of the TNI Law.
Minister of Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, has emphasized that the spirit behind the revision of the TNI Law is to strengthen military professionalism that remains within the corridor of reform.
According to him, the adjustment of the retirement age of high-ranking officers, for example, is not intended to extend personal power, but rather to ensure the continuity of strategic leadership within the TNI.
“This policy is actually a preventive measure so that the stability of the command is not easily disturbed by administrative factors. The entire process that is carried out continues to uphold the principles of democracy and does not open up space for the return of the military’s role in the civilian sphere,” said the Minister of Defense.
Sjafrie considered that the accusation about the revival of the military’s dual function was a mistake that did not reflect the contents of the regulation being discussed.
