On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Indonesian Minister Coordinators of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Budi Gunawan defended the promotion of Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, stating it adhered to established rules. Teddy’s rise from Mayor to Lieutenant Colonel has drawn scrutiny due to its relatively swift nature, yet Budi Gunawan firmly stated, "Saya sampaikan bahwa kenaikan pangkat Sekretaris Kabinet saudara Letkol Infanteri Teddy Indra Wijaya ini telah melalui mekanisme yang berlaku di TNI. Tidak ada yang menyalahi" (I state this promotion of Cabinet Secretary Colonel Infantry Teddy Indra Wijaya has gone through the prevailing mechanisms within the TNI. There is nothing violating), emphasizing the decision was knighted by the TNI Commander.
Budi Gunawan noted the appreciation for Teddy's dedication and performance, echoing sentiments expressed by TNI Chief General Agus Subianto. The general had previously set forth the expectation for active soldiers holding civilian roles to retire early or resign, citing legal frameworks detailed in Article 47 of the TNI law.
Under the spotlight is the Panja (working committee) formed by Komisi I DPR RI focused on revising Undang-Undang Nomor 34 Tahun 2004. And during discussions, significant changes were proposed, particularly concerning the mandatory resignation for active TNI personnel assigned to government ministries. TNI soldier positions were previously restricted to ten ministries, but with the new revisions, additional departments may be included.
TB Hasanuddin, who voiced concerns during discussions on March 12, 2025, stated, "Ada dua hal yang cukup menarik...dia harus mundur sebagai prajurit TNI aktif" (There are two interesting things...they must resign as active TNI soldiers). He highlighted the necessity of soldiers resigning before assuming roles within government departments, reflecting public unease over military involvement.
This unease captures the broader sentiment among civil society, particularly as the government's ambition to expand civilian positions for active soldiers has raised questions about the military's role outside of traditional defense frameworks. Despite the reasons presented for maintaining military personnel within civilian roles, some analysts query motivations behind such placements.
On the same day, Amelia Anggraini, a member of Komisi I, expressed her support for the TNI leadership’s view, advocating for clarity to resolve public concerns about military engagement within civilian spheres. She remarked, "Pernyataan ini secara langsung bisa menjawab keresahan publik terkait dengan keterlibatan prajurit TNI di jabatan sipil" (This statement directly can answer public concerns related to TNI soldier involvement in civilian positions).
Jenderal Maruli Simanjuntak, Chief of Staff of the Army, dismissed the argument of whether active soldiers should occupy civilian roles as unnecessary debate, stating, "Tidak usah diperdebatkan seperti ribut kanan, kiri, ke depan, kayak kurang kerjaan" (There is no need to debate like it's causing disarray). He reaffirmed commitment to align with regulations and emphasized cooperation with legislative decisions, indicating strong loyalty to the law.
Further details surrounding this legislative discussion introduce significant changes to retiree age regulations as well. Article 53 of the TNI regulations stipulates new retirement timelines, designational changes for certain ranks. This change is viewed as part of the transformative agenda surrounding military service, with shifts to modernize operational engagements and adapt to governmental demands.
Public concern heightens amid these discussions, with recent comments from Agum Gumelar, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Soldiers and Police (Pepabri), stressing the need for careful consideration of military placements to avoid antipathy from the public. He insisted, "Jangan sampai, yang terjadi semakin berkembangnya sikap antipati masyarakat, seolah-olah membenarkan dwifungsi TNI" (We must not exacerbate society’s antipathy as if legitimizing TNI’s dual functions). These remarks resonate deeply within community sentiments wary of military overreach.
The TNI leadership, thanks to their proactive stance, has reaffirmed their intention to adhere to whatever legislative conclusion is reached. Maruli acknowledged, "Kami (TNI AD) akan loyal seratus persen dengan keputusan" (We [TNI AD] will be loyal one hundred percent to the decision). He noted the importance of allowing conversations on how active soldiers may interchange roles with civilian entities, ensuring such transitions are transparent and justified based on operational expertise.
Backing their narrative, TNI has voiced support for proposals of designated placements within government roles but insists the essence of professional military service remains untouched. With Letkol Teddy Indra Wijaya currently serving as Secretary of Cabinet, the authority over appointments has drawn public ire, as this role does not traditionally fall under active military allowance per the existing law.
Nevertheless, current regulatory changes point to reclassified roles permitting such placements, devised under the guise of adapting military duties to suit modern administrative demands. The department head noted, "Silakan saja didiskusikan, apakah tentara harus alih status, apakah tentara harus pensiun?" (Feel free to discuss whether the army must change status or retire). This sets the stage for reconciliations between military duty and civil obligations.
With close observation from the public, the forthcoming sessions within Komisi I are poised to manifest the consensus on military involvement, shape regulations surrounding TNI conduct, and address legislative concerns about military governance presence within Indonesia's political framework. The clarion call for maintaining democratic integrity versus military presence continues to ripple through societal discussions.