By: Sugianto Raharja *)
Political stability and national security are crucial pillars for the continuity of development. In a democratic system, freedom of expression is guaranteed, but this freedom has limits: the broader interests of the nation. Therefore, caution must be exercised when addressing political maneuvers that claim to represent strategic state institutions, such as the Indonesian National Army (TNI). Recently, a controversy arose when a group claiming to be a forum of retired TNI officers voiced demands that sparked controversy, including the discourse on the impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.
These demands need to be viewed clearly. Not because of the content that draws attention, but because of the claim of representation that is institutionally invalid. The forum is not part of the official structure of retired TNI officers. This statement has been affirmed by the Acting Chairman of the Indonesian Army Retired Officers Association (PPAD), Major General (Ret) Komaruddin Simanjuntak, who stated that the forum is not part of PPAD or any other organization of retirees recognized by the state.
Komaruddin’s statement is vital to maintaining clarity of information and preventing misperceptions in the public. Informal forums that are not under a legally valid umbrella cannot be considered as representing the collective voice of retired TNI officers. PPAD, together with PEPABRI, LVRI, PPAL, PPAU, PP Polri, and PERIP, is the official organization that channels the aspirations of retired officers. Therefore, any statements made outside this structure should be regarded as personal opinions or the views of a limited group, not as institutional stances.
When the public receives information stating that “retired TNI officers reject the government” or “retired officers demand impeachment,” this creates not only confusion but also the distortion of facts. The credibility of the TNI as a neutral and professional defense institution could be dragged into the realm of practical politics if such misrepresentations are not corrected. This is dangerous as it can erode public trust in the military’s neutrality, divide the solidarity between active personnel and retirees, and open opportunities for external actors to exploit the situation for sectoral interests.
In the context of national defense, the morale and unity of the forces are significantly influenced by the psychological stability of the public. When information suggests disharmony within the TNI family, national resilience is threatened. Therefore, efforts to correct information are an integral part of non-military defense. Komaruddin clearly conveyed that true retirees remain loyal to the Sapta Marga, Soldier’s Oath, and the Eight Obligations of the TNI, even after they are no longer in active service. Their dedication should not become a political tool that divides the nation.
The stance of retirees within official organizations shows otherwise: support for the constitutional government and the desire for the smooth implementation of development programs, including the Asta Cita promoted by Prabowo-Gibran. The joint statement delivered by official retiree organizations demonstrates a mature, constructive stance that favors national stability. At the same time, they remain critical in voicing their aspirations through legitimate and dignified channels.
The discourse on impeaching Vice President Gibran, voiced by the unofficial forum, is a form of provocation with no strong legal basis. Impeachment can only occur if there is a serious violation of the constitution, through a lengthy process involving the DPR and the Constitutional Court. Without a valid juridical basis, such calls merely create political noise and unnecessary tension. The country needs a calm environment to build, not be divided by demands driven by assumptions rather than evidence.
Civil-military political leadership must be preserved with honor. A government that results from legitimate elections should not be weakened by baseless narratives. On the contrary, retired officers who have long experience in safeguarding the nation should be a stabilizing pillar, not a trigger for disintegration. A wise course of action would be to express criticism or objections through official forums, such as hearings with the President’s Advisory Council or through dialogue with the legislative body.
Additionally, the mass media must play a vital role in filtering information and ensuring that the sources they highlight genuinely represent the capacity to speak on behalf of the institution. Not everyone speaking on behalf of the TNI or retired officers has the right to carry the institution’s name. Verification is key to prevent the public space from being polluted by hoaxes or misleading one-sided claims. The public must also be more discerning in sifting through information, especially when it involves sensitive issues like defense and security.
As a democratic nation, Indonesia respects freedom of speech. However, democracy also demands responsibility to maintain a conducive national atmosphere. Informal forums attempting to take legitimacy from state institutions must be watched carefully, not given undue prominence. Clarifications from PPAD and other official organizations must serve as references in assessing the validity of a claim.
In the end, maintaining the neutrality and honor of the TNI is part of safeguarding the nation’s resilience. True retirees will not allow the institution’s good name to be tarnished by momentary political maneuvers. Support for the legitimate government, through polite and constitutional means, is the true form of service—honoring the past while protecting the future.
*) The author is a Strategic Issues Observer.
