RUU TNI (Discussion and Possible Ratification of the Military Law Draft) that is now authorized, proposes significant changes in the role and function of the Indonesian National Army. One of the most worrying things is the gap for the return of the Indonesian National Army’s dual function, a concept that once existed during the Orde Baru (New Order) period. This dual function gives a dual role to the Indonesian National Army, which is a military apparatus as well as a civilian apparatus. During this period, the Indonesian National Army was directly involved in the political, social, and economic life of the people, which resulted in military dominance over state affairs. This could lower the quality of democracy in Indonesia, as political decisions and public policies became highly dependent on military interests, not on the needs and aspirations of the people.
The main task of the Indonesian National Army is to maintain state sovereignty and maintain territorial integrity. When the Indonesian National Army is involved in civil positions, there is a potential for abuse of power and centralization of authority that can cause conflicts of interest. Remembering that the Indonesian National Army is trained to deal with physical threats, their assignments in these areas can lead to abuse of authority that harms the community.
The draft of RUU TNI allegedly has some more potentially problematic causes:
• Military personnel are allowed to retired later, which means they can fill their positions longer
• Policies and administrative functions are to be “supported” by the military, including those that have nothing to do with defense
• Active military personnel would be allowed to fill positions in up to 16 civil intitutions: including the Supreme court
*currently active military personnel get to fill 10 defence-related ministry/institutions without retiring from their military past
The Indonesian system of government is democracy, which means the government is by the people, from the people, and for the people. This RUU TNI has the potential to silence the people and the media, people will not be able to freely convey their aspirations, which can also be included as human rights violations. Therefore, this RUU TNI must be stopped! #TolakRUUTNI
(source: @ whatisupindonesia on instagram, @ neohistoria_id & @ kyungsoofisipol on twitter)
