On March 10, 2025, TNI Commander General Agus Subianto announced significant regulations affecting active-duty soldiers who hold civilian positions, stating they must choose between early retirement and resignation from military service. This announcement was made at PTIK, Jakarta Selatan, during interactions with the media.
General Agus emphasized the importance of adhering to Article 47 of the Indonesian National Army Law (UU TNI), which clearly stipulates the resignation requirement for TNI members holding civilian posts. He stated, "Active TNI soldiers who serve in ministries or other institutions must either retire early or resign from active duty, as mandated by Article 47. Thank you." This regulation was particularly highlighted after public scrutiny arose around several TNI personnel occupying strategic civilian roles.
Among those under the microscope is Letkol Inf. Teddy Indra Wijaya, serving as Cabinet Secretary, and Major General TNI Novi Helmy Prasetya, who has taken on dual roles as the President Director of PT Bulog and Danjen Akademi TNI. The spotlight on their positions increased pressure on General Agus to reaffirm compliance with military regulations, especially concerning the dual-hatted roles.
Article 47 of the TNI Law suggests certain allowances whereby converted active members can maintain specific civilian roles, nevertheless it maintains strict limitations. It states, "Soldiers can assume civilian positions only after resigning or retiring from active military service" and outlines exceptions, indicating they can fill roles pertinent to political and national security coordination, state intelligence, and various national agencies.
General Agus did not disclose any of the identities of current TNI members who will need to step down for their civilian appointments but noted the regulations will need to be followed rigorously. He remarked on the gravity of the situation and called on all affected officers to take action soon.
A growing concern among citizens centers on the unexpected nature of these military appointments and the potential conflict of interest they may pose. An example surfaces within the scrutiny surrounding Major General TNI Novi Helmy Prasetya, who continues to serve as Director of Bulog amid expectations for military resignation. His position at PT Bulog alongside his military rank raised eyebrows when he was officially appointed by Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, replacing the previous director, Wahyu Suparyono, on February 7, 2025.
Further complicity was seen when Minister Thohir appointed Major General TNI Novi Helmy with other military officers sustaining concurrent roles, igniting discussions around professionalism and transparency within government operations.
According to Mayor General Hariyanto, the head of the TNI Information Center, the process for military officers wishing to transition to civilian positions mandates initial resignation or the taking of early retirement from military service to avoid penalties outlined under the TNI Law. This operational guideline aims to prevent conflicts arising from overlapping duties.
"If any TNI personnel intends to take civil service outside the provisions outlined by Article 47 paragraph (2), they must resign or retire from military service," Mayor General Hariyanto clarified, asserting the straightforward process for soldiers to submit resignation requests up for validation by TNI leadership. Once approval is granted, these candidates transition to civilian status and no longer assume military obligations.
The urgency for compliance with these standards has surged, highlighting tensions between military officers administering civilian positions and their military obligations. Citizens anticipate increased accountability and clarity concerning military personnel managing civilian roles.
Despite addressing this compulsory resignation, public sentiment remains wary of military figures influencing civilian governance—especially when current laws seem somewhat contradictory, allowing for limited functions without the severance of military ties. General Agus’s commitment to tightening regulations has been paralleled by societal calls for transparency and higher scrutiny of military performance in civilian sectors.
Citizens and notable figures from various factions continue to monitor the situation closely, especially as concerns mount over adequate separation between military and civilian roles to avert any perceived breaches of democratic ideals. The dialogue surrounding this issue not only concerns TNI’s adherence to legal stipulations but also resonates with broader issues of governance and ethical conduct.
General Agus’s reaffirmation to strictly enforce the regulations under Article 47 resonates with tensions inherent within Indonesia's military-society relationship. It reflects the necessity for the military to maintain its integrity and separate governance issuing from civilian institutions—reinforcing democracy and fostering public trust.
With forthcoming decisions expected from military officials on who will be compelled to retire or resign, eyes will remain glued to the actions and implementation of these policies. Ensuring the directives alongside the completion of service by active personnel is expected will bolster rigor within military and governance practices.
Keeping public interest piqued through disclosure and engagement will be pivotal as these transitions develop and need to be managed within Indonesia’s ever-evolving governance structure. Only time will allow clarity and restore confidence in military engagements within civilian spheres—an enduring necessity for developing democracy.