Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, has recently handed out the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This step was taken in response to concerns spreading on social media regarding alleged deviations in the bill from the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the versions circulating online differ from the one under discussion in Commission I of the DPR RI. He pointed out that the revisions in the bill are aimed at enhancing legal frameworks to prevent future violations, with a special focus on specific articles.
The three key articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) concerning defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to assume positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had 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 specifically targeting the three aforementioned articles to ensure civilian supremacy in the role and operations of the TNI.
The dissemination of the draft to journalists was aimed at addressing misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco encouraged journalists to review the draft themselves in order to comprehend the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The primary focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
