Beware of Dark Politicization of Indonesia Exploiting the Issue of Rejection of the TNI Law and the Polri Bill
By: Dita Aida Putri )*
The polemic over the revision of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Law (UU TNI) and the discourse on re-drafting the Police Law (RUU Polri) are now in the spotlight in the landscape of national debate. This dynamic is indeed part of democracy, but the developing narrative shows a tendency towards provocation that endangers national stability.
Rejection based on emotional sentiment without a comprehensive understanding of the substance of the regulation has opened up space for the formation of misleading opinions. In fact, some groups seem to be using this momentum to lead public perception to see Indonesia through pessimistic glasses, as depicted in the discourse of “Dark Indonesia” which has recently been continuously capitalized.
The government does not close off space for participation in the discussion of the revision of the TNI Law. The policy-making mechanism has been carried out through a constitutional process that can be monitored and tested legally. However, a number of parties continue to try to frame this process as if it is contrary to the principles of democracy and civil supremacy. In fact, accusations of this kind are baseless and are more of an attempt to cause unrest. Politicization of this strategic agenda even has the potential to obscure its true substance: strengthening state resilience through regulatory updates that are adaptive to current developments.
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. Adjusting 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 command stability is not easily disrupted 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. The accusation of the revival of the military’s dual function is a mistake that does not reflect the content of the regulation being discussed.
From a legislative perspective, Chairman of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives Adies Kadir said that until now, there has been no presidential letter (surpres) submitted to the DPR regarding the National Police Bill. This fact confirms that the discourse on forced discussion of the revision of the National Police Law has no legitimate basis. The narrative that is developing is more of a speculation that does not necessarily lead to reality, and instead opens up space for disinformation that is counterproductive to state work. The DPR is committed to ensuring that every legislative process that is carried out in the future will be open, involve the public, and run according to the principle of transparency.
Furthermore, the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Student Regiment, M. Arwani Deni, emphasized that the issue of rejecting the revision of the TNI Law must be seen in a broader geopolitical framework. He sees a tendency for external forces to try to influence the dynamics of national politics with the aim of weakening Indonesia’s position, which is now increasingly independent in determining its strategic direction. This pattern is not new in global history, where military modernization efforts in several countries are often opposed by domestic narratives that are in fact controlled by external interests.
Indonesia’s move to join BRICS is an indicator that this country is asserting its position as a new power in an increasingly multipolar world system. The implications of this step not only impact the economic sector, but also broaden the spectrum of strategic cooperation in the field of defense and security. In that context, the revision of the TNI Law can be understood as part of national consolidation in facing increasingly complex external pressures. Increasing military resilience is a necessity, not a threat to democracy.
Arwani highlighted that the narrative of rejection of the revision of the TNI Law in Indonesia has a similar pattern to several other countries, where military modernization is often thwarted by opinions infiltrated by external interests. Fear of the growing independence of the national military is often an indirect reason used by external powers to pressure developing countries. Therefore, it is important for the Indonesian people to have a high geopolitical awareness so that they are not easily influenced by narratives that are not objective.
Indonesia’s position on a strategic route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans makes this country an important point in global rivalry. In a situation like this, the government’s steps to strengthen the country’s defense institutions should be seen as a form of national responsibility, not as an attempt at domination. The negative reaction from certain parties could be a reflection of their concerns about Indonesia’s increasing independence and strength in the region.
Looking at the wholeIn this development, the politicization efforts towards the revision of the TNI Law and the discourse on the Polri Bill are not merely differences of opinion, but rather part of a scenario that has the potential to disrupt national stability. The government has acted in accordance with the constitution and continues to uphold the principle of openness. However, the public needs to be actively involved to understand the larger context behind this policy. Thus, provocative narratives will not find space, and the Indonesian nation will remain strong in facing global challenges with a unified vision and a complete national spirit.
)* Public Policy Observer
