The TNI Bill under discussion has been a source of contention for months. Civil society groups argue that the draft legislation contains problematic provisions that threaten democracy and human rights in Indonesia. Among the most contentious issues is the potential revival of the TNI’s “dual function” (dwifungsi), a policy that allowed active military personnel to hold civilian government positions during the Suharto era. Critics warn that this could undermine civilian governance, weaken military professionalism, and lead to the militarization of public policy.

“The TNI Bill, as it stands, risks rolling back decades of progress in democratizing Indonesia’s security sector,” said Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia. “It could pave the way for the military to dominate civilian institutions, eroding the very foundations of our democracy.”

The Civil Society Coalition has also condemned the lack of transparency and public participation in the discussions. The meetings were held over a weekend, during the final days of the DPR’s recess, leaving little room for public scrutiny or input. This secrecy, critics argue, undermines the democratic process and raises questions about the government’s commitment to accountability.

“The government and DPR are effectively shutting out the public from a discussion that has far-reaching implications for Indonesia’s future,” said Wahyudi Djafar of ELSAM. “This is not how democracy works. The people have a right to know and to be involved in decisions that affect their lives.”

The Civil Society Coalition, which includes prominent organizations such as KontraS, YLBHI, and Amnesty International Indonesia, has called on the government and DPR to halt the discussions and ensure greater transparency in the legislative process. They have also urged lawmakers to reject the current draft of the TNI Bill, citing its potential to undermine democracy and human rights.

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