On March 20, 2025, the Indonesian Parliament swiftly passed the controversial revision of the TNI Law, setting a record for legislative speed that has startled many citizens. This rapid approval prompted widespread protests, with demonstrators gathering in front of the Parliament building and in various cities to voice their discontent. The urgency of the legislation, changing just three articles, has sparked reflection on the implications and motivations behind such a hasty process.
Former Governor of Lemhanas, Letjen (Purn) Agus Widjojo, expressed concern that this revision is merely a means to legitimize practices that have long occurred under the leadership of President Joko Widodo. He argues, “This is not a change of rules; it is just a stamp of approval on practices that have been in place for a decade.” Under Jokowi's administration, a significant number of military officials have taken up civil positions, with 2,569 active TNI officers currently working across 14 ministries and state institutions.
The Ministry of Defense has absorbed over 1,500 of these officers, leading to a complex dynamic in civil-military relations. Critically, the revised TNI Law introduces new terminology and shifts at its core, contributing to a profound transformation in how the military operates within civilian life. Notably, Article 47 now officially recognizes the involvement of the TNI in the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) and adds provisions regarding cyber defense, which were absent from the original law.
The TNI's expanded mandates increase from 14 to 16 operations beyond warfare, now encompassing responsibilities that also address national security in cyberspace and the protection of Indonesian citizens abroad. Agus warned that this could imply a return to militarization in various sectors of civilian governance, adjusting the military’s role in everyday life.
Puan Maharani, the Chair of the Indonesian Parliament, recently discussed these changes with Joko Widodo and the General Chairman of the NasDem Party, Surya Paloh. She acknowledged that while the revision concerns three main points—Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) in Article 7, the placement of active soldiers in civilian jobs in Article 47, and the retirement age in Article 53—there is a significant public outcry against potential implications, such as the reestablishment of the military's dual function.
The revised law allows active TNI personnel to take on civilian roles in a broader spectrum than before, expanding the limit from 10 ministries to 14. Article 53 changes the retirement age for privates and corporals from a maximum of 53 years to 55 years, whereas for officers, it has increased to 62 years. Maharani emphasized that the objective of these revisions is to maintain a balance between the military's vital role in national defense and the supremacy of civilian authority.
Despite the assurances from top officials, many citizens fear that this legislative move may reinstate the militaristic influence seen during Indonesia's New Order era. Puan noted, “We are committed to emphasizing civilian supremacy and safeguarding democratic principles. We want to ensure that the military's involvement does not extend into political or business domains.”
The recent legislative process has drawn criticism not only for its speed but also for insufficient public engagement in the discussions leading to the law's ratification. Following protests, Puan called for the government to socially communicate the intent and content of the TNI Law to the public, intending to dispel misconceptions and clarify that the revisions are not meant to bolster militaristic governance.
“The discussions around this legislation included input from diverse community elements, including students,” emphasized Maharani. She stated that it was necessary to alleviate any fears about the potential reintroduction of the military's dual function within Indonesian society. Almost immediately after the law's ratification, demonstrators expressed fears that the military might step further into civilian governance, prompting calls for a clear message from the government about its true intentions.
In a plenary session on March 20, 2025, the TNI Law revisions became law amidst protests, raising questions about the balance of military and civilian roles in governance. The implementation and the ensuing socialization efforts will be critical in determining if the public perceives these changes as beneficial or harmful to democracy in Indonesia.
As the government works to implement these changes, the challenge remains to convince the public of their necessity while addressing underlying fears of militarization that have surfaced following the rapid progression of this law. Will these revisions enhance the governance and national security of Indonesia, or does it signal a troubling shift back to an era where the line between military and civilian life is blurred?
