JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian government and the House of Representatives (DPR) or Law Makers are facing sharp criticism for holding closed-door discussions on the controversial TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) Bill at the luxurious Fairmont Jakarta, a five-star hotel, over the weekend of March 14-15, 2025.

The move has sparked outrage among civil society groups, who accuse the government and DPR of prioritizing secrecy and extravagance over transparency and public accountability.

The discussions, which took place behind closed doors, come at a time when the government is pushing for widespread budget cuts, including reductions in funding for critical sectors such as education and healthcare. Critics argue that the choice of a high-end venue for the talks is a blatant display of insensitivity to the economic struggles faced by ordinary Indonesians.

The decision to hold the talks at the Fairmont Jakarta has drawn particular ire given the government’s recent emphasis on fiscal efficiency. Earlier this year, the government announced significant budget cuts, including delays in the inauguration of civil servants (ASN) and reductions in healthcare and education spending. Against this backdrop, the lavish setting of the TNI Bill discussions has been labeled as hypocritical and tone-deaf.

“While the government preaches austerity and cuts essential public services, it has no qualms about splurging on luxury hotels for closed-door meetings,” said Ardi Manto Adiputra of Imparsial, a member of the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform. “This is not just wasteful; it’s a betrayal of the principles of justice and democracy.”

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.

“The government and DPR must stop deceiving the public and start prioritizing the interests of the people,” said Julius Ibrani of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (PBHI). “This is not just about the TNI Bill; it’s about upholding the principles of justice, transparency, and democracy.”

As the debate over the TNI Bill continues, the Civil Society Coalition has vowed to keep up the pressure on the government and DPR, demanding accountability and a more inclusive legislative process. The coalition’s message is clear: Indonesia’s democracy is too precious to be decided behind closed doors in luxury hotels. (Uki Ruknuddin)