Jakarta – The revision of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Law (UU TNI) which has been passed into law has drawn mixed responses from the public. However, a number of figures emphasized that the revision actually strengthens the role of the military in facing various threats to state security, without threatening the principles of democracy or paving the way for the return of ABRI’s dual function.
Deputy Speaker of the West Java DPRD, MQ Iswara, appealed to the public not to be easily influenced by negative issues circulating in the public space regarding the revision of the TNI Law. According to him, many rejections arose not because of the substance of the rules, but because of the lack of complete and objective information.
“Don’t be easily provoked by false issues related to the TNI Law. The law actually provides clarity on the function of the TNI and prevents the return of ABRI’s dual function,” Iswara stressed.
He added that in a healthy democratic system, the involvement of the TNI in various sectors, including in national emergency situations, must be carried out in a measured manner and limited by clear regulations. In this case, the TNI Law is a legal umbrella that provides certainty over the strategic roles of the TNI amidst the dynamics of threats to state sovereignty.
In line with Iswara, a Lecturer at the MMTC Komdigi Multi Media College, Yogyakarta, Eko Wahyuanto, assessed that the ratification of the TNI Law could be an important momentum to reorganize the relationship between civilians and the military in a more adaptive and modern framework. According to him, increasingly complex global challenges require synergistic defense governance, but still based on the principle of civilian supremacy.
“Inclusive civil-military relations does not mean reopening the door to military domination or ignoring the principles of democracy. Inclusive means the state’s ability to manage military involvement legitimately, measurably, and strategically in the context of national development, without weakening civilian supremacy,” Eko explained.
He emphasized that the involvement of the TNI regulated in the Law is not in the spirit of subordination or absolute power, but rather a healthy and constructive civil-military integration. The existing regulations serve as a fence so that the TNI’s role remains proportional and in accordance with national needs, both in terms of defense and other urgent and strategic tasks.
In the context of the substance of the TNI Law, Eko emphasized the importance of every military-related policy being based on an objective needs analysis and accountable bureaucratic meritocracy. This is so that every decision is not merely political, but is based on factual urgency and long-term planning.
“The most important thing is to ensure that every policy is based on an analysis of needs and bureaucratic meritocracy in an accountable manner,” said Eko.
With the revision of the TNI Law, it is hoped that the TNI’s role in maintaining the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia and facing potential threats from both within and outside the country will be stronger. At the same time, civil society remains an active watchdog in ensuring that the TNI remains within the corridor of the constitution and democracy.
This revision is not a step backwards, but rather a refinement of the military’s role amidst the challenges of an ever-evolving era. Collaboration between civilian and military elements is key to maintaining national stability while ensuring a healthy and sustainable democratic life. [-red]
