Revision of the TNI Law: Strategic Steps Towards a Professional and Modern TNI
By: Farhan Farisan )*
The House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) has officially ratified the revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on March 20, 2025. This decision is an important milestone in efforts to strengthen the national defense posture and adjust the role of the TNI to the dynamics of developments in the era.
This revision not only clarifies the limitations of the TNI’s duties, but also opens up opportunities for active soldiers to contribute to the civilian sector, of course while maintaining the principles of civil supremacy and democracy. One of the significant changes in this revision is the addition of two main tasks of the TNI in Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), namely overcoming cyber threats and protecting and saving citizens and national interests abroad.
This addition reflects the TNI’s adaptation to increasingly complex non-conventional threats in the digital and globalization era. Thus, the TNI is expected to be more responsive and effective in maintaining the country’s sovereignty.
Head of Public Relations Bureau of the Secretariat General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense (Kemhan), Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, guaranteed that the military would not spy on civilians after the revision of the TNI Law was passed. Frega stated that the TNI’s cyber defense duties contained in the law were not to spy on civilians. He also said that the Ministry of Defense understands differences of opinion in a democratic country. According to him, criticism of defense institutions or the government is a normal form of expression.
The Ministry of Defense’s Public Relations asked the public not to worry about the revision of the TNI Law restricting civil freedom and freedom of expression. According to him, cyber defense will focus on a “bigger” context. Frega explained that soldiers will be deployed to stem negative perceptions and disinformation related to state sovereignty. Frega assessed that there are external parties who want to create misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
The revision of the TNI Law also regulates civilian positions that can be filled by active soldiers. In the old law, active soldiers were only allowed to occupy positions in government after resigning or retiring. However, in the new version of the TNI Law, active TNI members are now allowed to serve in 14 ministries or institutions, such as the Supreme Court, the Attorney General’s Office, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), and the Maritime Security Agency. These positions can be filled by active TNI soldiers only upon request from the ministry/institution and must comply with applicable provisions and administration. Apart from that, TNI must resign or retire from military service if they wish to fill a civilian position.
This revised regulation also extends the retirement age for TNI soldiers. The retirement age limit for non-commissioned officers and privates has been extended to 55 years, while officers up to the rank of colonel remains at 58 years. For high-ranking officers, the service period has been extended, especially for four-star officers, to 63 years and a maximum of 65 years. This change aims to provide an opportunity for soldiers who still have high capacity and dedication to continue to contribute to maintaining national defense.
In addition, the revised TNI Law also emphasizes the importance of modernizing the main weapons system (alutsista) by strengthening the domestic defense industry. This aims to increase the independence of defense equipment production and strengthen the TNI’s combat capability in maintaining the country’s sovereignty. On the other hand, improving the welfare of soldiers is also a major focus. This bill includes improving the social security system for soldiers’ families, as well as adjusting the retirement age and career levels according to the needs of the organization.
Although this revision provides space for active soldiers to occupy civilian positions, this does not mean that the TNI will return to the era of ABRI’s dual function. The Chairman of the DPR RI Legislative Body, Supratman Andi Agtas, emphasized that this revision will not restore ABRI’s dual function. All positions held by TNI officers will still be adjusted to the needs and tasks required by the president. Thus, the principles of neutrality and civilian supremacy are maintained.
The Head of Legal Affairs (Kakum) Koharmatau, Lieutenant Colonel Kum Anwar Musyadad, said that the TNI continues to uphold the principle of civilian supremacy in a democratic country. He emphasized that the TNI will continue to maintain a balance between the role of the military and civilian authorities by adhering to the line of professionalism in carrying out tasks. This principle is in line with the commitment of the TNI Commander conveyed in a meeting with Commission I of the DPR RI.
Likewise, the Gerindra Party Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives also stated that the revision of the TNI Law is in line with the principle of civil supremacy and the spirit of reform. The Chairman of the Gerindra Faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Budisatrio Djiwandono, emphasized that this revision is not a step backwards in TNI reform, but is a form of adaptation to the dynamics of modern defense. This revision ensures that the TNI is ready to face the challenges of the times and strengthensnational defense against new threats that could disrupt the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
The ratification of the revised TNI Law is a strategic step in strengthening the national defense posture. With the addition of main tasks, opportunities for civilian positions for active soldiers, adjustments to retirement age, and a focus on modernizing defense equipment and soldier welfare, the TNI is expected to become a professional and adaptive institution to the times. Support for this revision shows a commitment to maintaining state sovereignty and ensuring that the TNI remains at the forefront of maintaining Indonesia’s security and defense.
)* The author is a Bandung student living in Jakarta
