In Line with the Principle of Civil Supremacy, There is No Dual Function Issue in the Revised TNI Law
Jakarta – The revision of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Law (UU TNI) remains in line with the principle of civil supremacy and the spirit of reform.
Chairman of the Gerindra Party Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Budisatrio Djiwandono, ensured that the revision does not conflict with democracy, but rather aims to adjust the TNI’s duties to the strategic needs of national defense.
“This revision is not a step backward in TNI reform, but is a form of adaptation to the dynamics of modern defense. We ensure that civil supremacy is maintained and there is no attempt to dominate the civil and political realms with the military,” said Budisatrio.
In addition, he added, the DPR will continue to carry out its supervisory function in accordance with its authority. He hopes that the public can also understand the main substance of the revised law.
According to Budisatrio, the substance of the revised law is far from what the public is worried about. He also regrets the disinformation circulating such as the issue of the dual function of the TNI.
Similarly, Chairman of the Golkar Party Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Muhammad Sarmuji, said that the revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI will not restore the dual function of ABRI. Sarmuji said the revision of the TNI Law limits TNI members from entering civilian positions.
“The dual function of the TNI cannot be restored, in fact the TNI Bill limits TNI members from entering civilian positions. Positions that can be occupied by active TNI are only related to the duties and functions of the TNI, outside of that TNI must retire if they enter civilian positions,” explained Sarmuji.
In the revision of the TNI Law, there are only 14 public office positions that can be filled by active soldiers. In addition, Sarmuji emphasized that a soldier must resign.
President Prabowo Subianto also responded to the reasons behind the revision of the TNI Law which has caused polemics and seems rushed. According to Prabowo, the revision of the TNI Law was rolled out because there was a phenomenon in the military institution that the government needed to respond to quickly.
The Head of State said that the phenomenon of TNI officers retiring too quickly has caused high positions to experience rapid changes as well. Therefore, a revision of the TNI Law is needed so that the organization can be more optimal.
“The TNI Commander changes every year, the Army Chief of Staff changes every year. Because their age is up. Their time for their career, as soon as they want to be used, their age is up. Where can we have an organization whose leaders change every year,” said the President.
President Prabowo emphasized that the core of the revision of the TNI Law is actually only to extend the retirement age of several high-ranking officers.
“The TNI has no intention of having a dual function again, come on. That’s nonsense I say,” he said.
Prabowo again emphasized that there was no motive to revive the TNI’s dual function through the revision of the TNI Law. He even claimed to be one of the TNI leaders in the reform era who encouraged soldiers to return to the barracks and submit to the supremacy of the people.
