Defense Ministry Explains Role Of National Reserve Component

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Defense Ministry public communication bureau in a written release on Tuesday asserts that the National Reserve Component (Komcad) differs from a military draft as those recruited into the reserve unit join voluntarily.

The Ministry explains that non-active reserve component personnel retain their status as a civilian and are free to live each of their professions. However, in a situation of war, these reserve components can be mobilized under the President’s order that must obtain approval from the House of Representatives (DPR). 

Citing Antaranews, the military activities by these reserve components are entirely under the control of the National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander and can only be on duty after undergoing official training.

Defense Ministry’s statement explains that the formation of the National Reserve Components is a byproduct of Law No.3/2002 on state defense and Law No.23/2019 on national resources management. 

State defenses are held by the government and prepared as early as possible in the Universal People's Defense and Security System (Sishankamrata). They also reminded that in facing military threat, the state places National Armed Forces (TNI) as main components that are supported by reserve components and supporting components.

There are at least 3,103 members of the National Reserve Component that have been inaugurated directly by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Bandung, West Java on October 7. Those thousands of people underwent basic military training at the local military command. 

Read: President Visits Military Alutsista Display in 76th TNI Anniversary

ANTARA