On March 25, 2025, Brigadier General TNI Kristomei Sianturi assured the public that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) would not suddenly take over civilian positions in the government. He emphasized, "I assure you that the TNI will not take over positions that should be handled by civilians. We do not want to become a super agency." This statement came during a webinar aimed at clarifying the TNI’s role in civil service as stipulated in the recently revised Law Number 34 of 2004, which governs the TNI's activities.
This law revision seeks to provide a clearer framework regarding where active soldiers can be placed within government ministries and agencies. According to Sianturi, the TNI is permitted to fill roles in only 14 ministries and agencies, and any soldier placed outside this list will be required to resign or retire early.
Sianturi further articulated that the intent behind these regulations is to maintain a balance between military and civilian roles within the Indonesian government. He remarked, "It is not possible for someone who has spent four years at the Military Academy to suddenly enter a ministry. Time spent there is too valuable; it is better to pursue further education instead."
In these remarks, Sianturi presented a clear stance that serves to assuage public concerns about potential military overreach into civilian governance. The context of this clarification arises from ongoing debates concerning the integration of military personnel into civilian roles, particularly following the recent approval of the revised TNI Law by the Indonesian parliament, DPR RI.
The revision aims to articulate which ministries and agencies can actively engage personnel from the TNI. Areas of acceptable placement now include those related to national defense, state intelligence, and maritime security, as well as emergency response and counter-terrorism efforts.
Amid these discussions, on March 22, 2025, philosopher and astronomer Karlina Supelli raised provocative concerns regarding the implementation of the TNI Law at a press conference for the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa movement. She expressed her unease regarding the academic text of the TNI Law, noting, "I just express the unease like a conscience that urges when reading the academic manuscript."
Supelli pointed out that the current practice of placing active TNI soldiers in other ministries has already been operationalized based on presidential directives. She stated, "The active soldiers’ placements in other ministries have been done based on the President's policy," highlighting a disconnect between established legal frameworks and on-the-ground practices.
Moreover, Supelli critiqued the legislative process, suggesting that the current formulation of the TNI Law presents a dangerous way of thinking. She described the actions taken as 'post-factum,' implying that the roles have been enacted without appropriate legal justification and now require retrospective validation.
"This is a very dangerous way of thinking," Supelli articulated, underlining the necessity for rigorous scrutiny and debate concerning military involvement in civilian areas. Her remarks serve as a clarion call for citizens and policymakers alike to engage critically with these evolving narratives in order to safeguard democratic norms and civilian governance.
As the discussions surrounding the TNI Law unfold, the voices of both military leadership and civilian commentators highlight the delicate balance required between security and civil rights in Indonesia. The government's commitment to maintaining strict boundaries around military roles within civilian operations will be crucial for fostering trust and integrity in governance.
Ultimately, as the TNI navigates its evolving role in Indonesian society, the implications of these laws and policies will resonate throughout the fabric of national governance, emphasizing the need for public oversight and accountability in military affairs.
