Many Demonstrations Against the TNI Law Because the Public Does Not Understand Complete Information
By: Andi Ramli
Waves of demonstrations rejecting the revision of the Indonesian National Army Law (UU TNI) continue to emerge in various regions. The masses took to the streets with various demands based on concerns about the impact of the revision. However, this phenomenon is actually more triggered by a lack of complete understanding of the substance of the changes that have been ratified by the Indonesian House of Representatives.
Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives Dave Laksono assessed that the many protests occurred because the public did not fully understand the contents of the revised TNI Law. A number of personal interpretations have developed widely and created a false perception regarding the substance of the new regulation.
In fact, the changes in the TNI Law are actually intended to limit the role of the TNI in the civilian sphere, not the other way around. Several positions that were previously occupied by active TNI members have now only been increased to 14 agencies, including BNPT, BNPB, and BNPP. Outside of this list, active TNI members must resign or retire if they want to occupy positions in other civilian agencies.
According to Dave, communication barriers have exacerbated misunderstandings in society. Until now, many parties have not received the final draft of the revised TNI Law, so various speculations have emerged.
One of the concerns often voiced in demonstrations is the assumption that this law will expand the TNI’s authority in the civil and police spheres. In fact, in the provisions that have been passed, there is no loophole for the TNI to enter these areas excessively.
In addition, the increase in service age or extension of the retirement limit for high-ranking officers aims to prevent the rotation of leadership within the TNI from being too fast. So far, many four-star officers have only served for a short time before being replaced. This is considered to hinder the continuity of the country’s defense strategy.
Deputy Chairman of the West Java DPRD MQ Iswara also highlighted the root of the problem of the widespread rejection of the TNI Law. According to him, the public received incomplete information about this revision, resulting in various assumptions that did not correspond to the reality of the policy.
If observed closely, this revision does not contain any attempt to revive the Dual Function of ABRI as feared by many. On the contrary, this revision actually emphasizes the limitations of the TNI’s role in the civilian sector.
Before the revision, active TNI members could fill 10 positions in government agencies, while now the number has only increased to 14. Meanwhile, outside of this list, active TNI members are required to resign before occupying the position.
Iswara also emphasized that demonstrations are the people’s right to express their aspirations, but he reminded them that the action must be carried out in an orderly manner. Every group that wants to have a dialogue with the government should first ensure that they understand the substance of the law they are criticizing. This is because many demonstrations are based on false assumptions due to a lack of understanding of the contents of the regulations that have been passed.
Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives Hinca Panjaitan gave a similar view. He reminded that every individual who objects to the ratification of the TNI Law has a legal path available, namely by filing a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court (MK).
If there are indeed articles that are considered problematic, then the legal route is the best mechanism to test the constitutionality of the law. He also asked that people who reject this revision first read and understand the substance of the articles in the revised TNI Law. In this way, the arguments presented in the protest action can be more constructive and based on valid data.
Hinca also reminded that every form of demonstration should be done peacefully without anarchistic actions. Criticism of government policies is part of democracy, but it must be done in a way that does not harm others.
Unfortunately, there are still demonstrations held without a mature understanding of the substance of the rejected rules. As a result, the debates that occur only further cloud public opinion without producing constructive solutions.
The emergence of various protests against the revision of the TNI Law shows that transparency in the delivery of information still needs to be improved. Socialization regarding changes in regulations such as this must be carried out more intensively by the government and legislative institutions so that the public does not get caught up in false assumptions.
Rejection of a policy is legitimate, but it must be accompanied by a comprehensive understanding of the contents of the criticized rule. That way, public discussion can run more healthily and prevent the public from misperceptions that are detrimental to the common interest. (*)
National Political Analyst – Indonesian Democracy Study Forum
