TNI-Polri United in Safeguarding National Security, Firm Action Against Spreaders of Provocative Narratives
JAKARTA – The solidarity between the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) has once again been affirmed amid the rampant spread of hoaxes and provocative narratives following the late-August demonstrations. TNI Headquarters emphasized that it will not remain silent in the face of attempts to pit the two state security institutions against each other.
Head of TNI Information Center (Kapuspen TNI), Brig. Gen. (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, stressed that legal measures will be taken against those spreading hoaxes on social media.
“The TNI continues to coordinate with law enforcement officers to take firm action against hoax spreaders who attempt to sow discord between the TNI and Polri,” Freddy said.
According to Freddy, most of the provocative content circulating depicts a supposed rift between the TNI and Polri on the ground. In reality, however, both institutions remain united and work together to maintain public order.
“We will not be swayed by such attempts to divide us. All circulating hoax information will be traced, and legal proceedings will follow in accordance with regulations,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Efatha Filomeno Borromeu Duarte, Political Science lecturer at Udayana University and Founder of the Malleum Iustitiae Institute, emphasized the crucial role of mainstream media in de-escalating tensions. He noted that excessive coverage could worsen perceptions and undermine TNI-Polri solidarity.
“Incidents of misunderstanding between TNI and Polri personnel were only minor cases that have already been peacefully resolved on the ground. However, media reports and provocative digital narratives made the situation appear larger than it was,” Efatha explained.
He added that in fact, what occurred was a handshake of reconciliation and continued cooperation in the field. After the incident, TNI personnel even helped secure a police station damaged by rioters and joined Polri in joint patrols. “This underscores that TNI and Polri remain solid and united under one command in safeguarding national security,” he said.
Nevertheless, Efatha highlighted the importance of clear command chains to avoid biased perceptions on the ground. He also pointed out the challenge of asymmetric information warfare, where non-state actors can spread disinformation faster than official state clarifications.
The unity of TNI and Polri is seen as a key factor in maintaining national stability. Beyond law enforcement, both institutions stand as the frontline defense against provocative efforts that threaten the nation’s unity.
