Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, took a proactive step by distributing the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was in response to concerns spreading on social media, claiming that the circulated drafts did not align with the actual discussions in the DPR. Dasco clarified that the versions online differed from the one being deliberated in Commission I of the DPR RI, focusing on strengthening legal frameworks to prevent future violations, particularly in three key articles.
The three articles currently under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) on defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 concerning the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to hold positions in specific ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had presented a list of problem inventories (DIM) to the DPR regarding the TNI Bill, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only the three specified articles, ensuring civilian supremacy in the TNI’s functions and operations.
Distributing the draft to journalists aimed to address misconceptions and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to review the draft independently to grasp the revisions and address any concerns circulating on social media. The primary focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR’s commitment to open discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
