DPR Dismisses Concerns Over Military Dual-Function, Amid Criticism of TNI Law Revision

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad has dismissed concerns that the ongoing revision of the Indonesian Military Law will reinstate the military’s dual-function doctrine. He assured that parliament remains committed to upholding civilian supremacy and maintaining legal oversight.

Dasco's statement comes amid growing public opposition to the revision of Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Critics argue that the amendments could blur the boundaries between military and civilian roles.

Addressing the concerns, Dasco emphasized that the revised provisions are focused on internal military matters and do not grant TNI expanded authority beyond its constitutional mandate.

“There are discussions about the return of the military’s dual function, but if we look at the articles carefully, it is clear that DPR will safeguard civilian supremacy,” he stated at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday, March 17, 2025.

Public Outcry Over Lack of Transparency

Despite Dasco's reassurances, the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform, comprising dozens of civil organizations, has strongly criticized the government and parliament for their approach to revising the military law. The coalition condemned the decision to hold closed-door discussions at a five-star hotel in Jakarta from Friday, March 14, 2025, to Sunday, March 16, 2025, arguing that it undermined transparency, public participation, and contradicted the government’s budget efficiency policies.

Director of Amnesty International Indonesia Usman Hamid pointed out that deliberating such a critical national security law in a luxury setting signaled a lack of commitment to transparency. “At a time when the government is advocating efficiency and budget savings, DPR and the administration opted for a luxury venue, incurring significant state expenditure,” Hamid said on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Hamid further warned that the revised bill still contains controversial provisions that could threaten democracy and human rights. He expressed concern that allowing active-duty military personnel to assume civilian positions could erode democratic oversight, reinforce military influence in policymaking, and revive the dual-function doctrine that was abolished in Indonesia’s post-1998 reform era.

DPR: Revision Focuses on Military Internal Affairs

Dasco argued that public criticism is based on misunderstandings, asserting that the revision only affects three key articles:

“These amendments are primarily aimed at strengthening internal governance within the military and ensuring legal compliance, rather than expanding TNI’s role into civilian affairs,” Dasco explained.

Echoing Dasco’s remarks, Chairman of the DPR Commission I Utut Adianto stated that the revisions are designed to impose stricter limitations on TNI rather than granting it broader authority. “We take public concerns seriously. But if the worry is about a return to the dual function of the military, this revision actually imposes more restrictions,” he said.

Concerns Over the Legislative Process

The controversy surrounding the bill extends beyond its content to the legislative process itself. The Civil Society Coalition has raised concerns that the rushed nature of the deliberations and lack of public consultation could lead to inadequate scrutiny of problematic clauses.

Previously, Deputy Speaker of DPR Adies Kadir stated that the bill would not be passed before the parliamentary recess for Eid 2025, pushing its potential approval to a later session. However, discussions have already covered 40% of the 92 Inventory of Issues (DIM) items, focusing primarily on retirement age and related personnel regulations.

Hamid reiterated that the proposed revisions risk reversing democratic gains by allowing military personnel to hold civilian posts, potentially reviving the influence of TNI in governance. “We firmly reject the draft law and the Inventory of Issues (DIM) presented to DPR, as they contain provisions that threaten to bring back military dual-function and militarism in Indonesia,” he asserted.

As the debate continues, public pressure is mounting on DPR and the government to ensure that any amendments to the military law do not compromise Indonesia’s democratic governance and civilian control over the armed forces.