Revised TNI Law Expands Military Role, No Dual Function: Minister Hadi

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto addressed concerns that the revised Indonesian Military or TNI Law reinstates the military's dual function, a system in place during President Soeharto's regime. While the revised law expands the authority for personnel to hold positions in ministries or institutions, he assured the public this is not a return to the dual function.

“There is no longer a dual function. That's the past,” Hadi said in Jakarta on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

He clarified that the expanded authority for TNI personnel to hold positions within ministries or institutions is not for political gain because the TNI’s current role is solely focused on national defense and security, guided by established political policies and decisions. 

“The past dual function granted the military a defense role and a socio-political role,” he said, adding that the dual role resulted in a military faction holding seats in parliament during that era.

Hadi reiterated that the revised law will not include provisions for military representation in parliament. He emphasized that the expansion of TNI assignments aims to support the effective functioning of ministries and institutions requiring such expertise. “To answer the needs, acting in accordance with the president's policy.”

Previously, TNI Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto shared similar statements. He suggested that the TNI plays a “multifunctional” role. “The TNI does not have a dwifungsi [dual function] anymore, but a multifunctional role,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform remains concerned that Agus’ statement on TNI’s multifunctional role could pave the way for a return to the dual-function system.

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA

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