Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), recently shared the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill with journalists. This was in response to concerns circulating on social media about alleged deviations from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the drafts online differ from the one under discussion in Commission I of the DPR RI. The focus of the bill revisions is on enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three specific articles. These include Article 3, Paragraph (2) on defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 on the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 on active-duty TNI personnel holding positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had submitted a list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. He assured that the revisions only target the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s role and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was intended to clarify misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves to understand the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
