Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), recently handed out the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was made to address concerns spreading on social media about the bill deviating from actual DPR discussions. Dasco clarified that the drafts circulating online differ from the one under consideration in Commission I of the DPR RI. He highlighted that the revisions in the bill aim to strengthen legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly focusing on three specific articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) regarding defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 permitting active-duty TNI personnel to hold positions in specific ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously submitted the list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, which included proposed amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions are only directed at the three mentioned articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s roles and operations.
The distribution of the draft to journalists was aimed at clarifying misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft personally to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The main focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR dedicated to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
