Expansion of Military Roles in Civilian Positions Sparks Outcry

Another contentious proposal is the removal of the ban on business activities for TNI members. The coalition views this as a regressive step that undermines military professionalism. “The military is not built for business or politics,” stated a coalition representative. “Allowing TNI personnel to engage in business will distract them from their primary duty of defending the nation and lead to a decline in their professional integrity.” Instead of lifting the ban, the coalition urges the government to focus on improving the welfare of military personnel through state mechanisms, rather than shifting the burden onto individual soldiers.

The coalition also raised concerns about proposed changes to Article 65, Paragraph 2, which would subject TNI personnel to military courts for both military and civilian criminal offenses. This provision contradicts the spirit of the 1998 reforms, which mandated that military personnel accused of civilian crimes be tried in civilian courts. The coalition argues that military courts lack the transparency and accountability of civilian courts, increasing the risk of impunity for human rights violations and other crimes committed by military personnel.

The coalition urged the government and DPR to focus on strengthening oversight institutions such as the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Police Commission (Kompolnas), and the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan). Instead of expanding the roles of security actors, the coalition called for increased support for these institutions, which have faced significant budget cuts in recent years.

The coalition emphasized that the government and DPR should prioritize long-delayed reforms within the TNI, such as drafting a law on military assistance (Tugas Perbantuan), reforming the military justice system, and restructuring the territorial command (Koter). These measures, they argue, are essential for ensuring the military’s professionalism and adherence to democratic principles.