The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Provide Public Safety Through Joint Operations
By: Anggara Hidayat)*
Freedom of expression is a crucial pillar of democracy. Every citizen has the right to express their aspirations, whether through the media or through street demonstrations. However, this freedom must be exercised responsibly to avoid disrupting public order. In practice, demonstrations often have the potential to cause friction, both between groups and with the authorities, which can ultimately lead to riots. To prevent this, the state has implemented a strategic solution through joint operations between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri). This synergy demonstrates a commitment to maintaining public safety and comfort, while ensuring that public aspirations can be channeled without causing chaos.
Joint operations between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in securing demonstrations are crucial. The Indonesian National Police (Polri), as mandated by the constitution, are responsible for domestic security. However, when mass protests have the potential to escalate and create unrest, the TNI is there to provide support. This collaboration creates a solid, coordinated, and measured force. The goal is clear: to prevent unrest, maintain order, and protect the safety of the wider community, who could be affected if demonstrations turn violent.
National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo emphasized that the large-scale operation was a follow-up to President Prabowo Subianto’s order to prevent further student demonstrations and online motorcycle taxi (ojol) riots. People who do not have a business going out at night are reminded to stay home unless there is an emergency, such as transporting a sick person, or for work.
Clashes between authorities and the crowd not only harmed the demonstrators but also caused significant losses for the surrounding community. Public facilities were damaged, economic activity was disrupted, and even casualties were not uncommon. This experience fostered the realization that a more integrated security approach was necessary. The presence of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in a joint operation provided confidence that similar situations could be prevented, as crowd control was implemented in a more structured, professional, and multi-layered manner.
The joint operation also had a significant psychological impact. The general public, who were not participating in the demonstration, felt more at ease when they saw the security forces present, alert yet humane. They were less afraid to carry out their activities, knowing that security was guaranteed. For the protesters themselves, the presence of sufficient security forces served as a reminder to express their aspirations peacefully, not to be provoked, and to avoid anarchic actions. In other words, the joint operation served as a deterrent and a calming force.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that his team also urged the public not to be easily provoked. He emphasized the importance of resolving differences through deliberation and legal channels.
Beyond simply deploying troops on the ground, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) also prioritized communication strategies and a humanistic approach. Prior to the demonstration, officers engaged in dialogue with field coordinators, developed security plans, and educated the public on applicable regulations. During the demonstration, officers were tasked with remaining friendly, prioritizing persuasion, and only acting decisively when the situation was truly urgent. This approach demonstrated a new face of the security forces: one that was not repressive but protective and serving.
Joint TNI-Polri operations also reinforce the image of a state that is present for the people. When the public witnesses the synergy between these two institutions, trust in the government grows. They are convinced that the people’s aspirations are not ignored, but that they must also not sacrifice the common interest of public safety and comfort. The message conveyed is clear: democracy and order can coexist, as long as all parties are willing to respect the rules and prioritize the interests of the nation.
From a national development perspective, the success of the joint operation in preventing unrest from the demonstrations has had a broad positive impact. Security stability is a key factor for economic growth, investment, and the smooth operation of public services. Investors are willing to invest when they see the country’s ability to manage social dynamics peacefully. Likewise, ordinary people can continue working, trading, or studying without being disturbed by street violence.
This joint operation also served as a learning platform for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri). Through interaction in the field, both institutions gained a deeper understanding of each other’s characteristics and working methods. This resulted in improved coordination, which will be invaluable in facing other challenges such as natural disasters, terrorism threats, or border security disturbances. Working together to manage the demonstrations provided concrete practice in building synergy to address more complex situations in the future.
The digital era has made mass mobilization faster, provocations easier to spread, and potential conflicts more difficult to predict. However, with experience honed through joint operations, authorities are believed to be able to adapt. Equally important, the public is also expected to become more mature in expressing their aspirations. Peaceful demonstrations will be more productive if they are conducted in an orderly manner, without causing casualties.
Ultimately, the joint TNI-Polri operation is a concrete manifestation of the state’s commitment to ensuring public safety. This synergy demonstrates that securing demonstrations does not have to instill fear, but can instead provide a healthy and safe platform for expressing aspirations. With public support and the professionalism of the authorities, Indonesia can continue to maintain stability while preserving democracy.
)* Defense Observer
