Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, recently distributed the draft of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill to journalists. This move was made in response to concerns circulating on social media regarding alleged discrepancies between the circulated drafts and the actual discussions within the DPR. Dasco clarified that the draft being discussed in Commission I of the DPR RI differs from those circulating online, with a specific focus on enhancing the legal framework to prevent future violations, especially in three key articles.
The three articles under review include Article 3, Paragraph (2) on defense policy and strategy coordination, Article 53 on the retirement age of TNI personnel, and Article 47 allowing active-duty TNI personnel to hold positions in certain ministries or government institutions. Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin had previously submitted a list of problem inventories (DIM) for the TNI Bill to the DPR, proposing amendments to the existing TNI Law. Sjafrie assured that the revisions target only 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 misunderstandings and criticisms surrounding the TNI Bill. Dasco urged journalists to examine the draft themselves to grasp the revisions and address any concerns raised on social media. The main focus remains on upholding civilian supremacy within the TNI, with the DPR committed to transparent discussions and legal enhancements in defense-related policies.
