DPR Leader Says TNI Commander General Andika's Term Can Be Extended

JAKARTA - The DPR leadership said that the term of office of the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa could be extended and not an impossible thing. Originally, General Andika Perkasa would serve for approximately 13 months until the end of 2022.

This is in accordance with Law 34/2004 concerning the TNI where the TNI Commander serves until the retirement age of 58 years.

In this position, Andika Perkasa will be 58 years old on December 21, 2022. According to news, Andika's term of office can be extended until 2024, which means retiring at the age of 60.

Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, explained that there are two alternatives that can be done if the discourse on extending the TNI Commander's service period can be realized.

"Especially for the extension of the position of commander in chief, it could be through a revision of the law or a Perppu later issued by the president," said Dasco at the DPR Building, Tuesday, November 9.

However, said Dasco, specifically regarding the Perppu is the authority of President Joko Widodo. Thus, no one can intervene, including the DPR RI.

"It depends on the President, who will decide whether or not it is necessary (to issue a Perppu)," said the daily chairman of the Gerindra Party DPP.

Dasco said, if you use the revision of the TNI Law, it is necessary to start by conducting an in-depth study.

"It will take longer. I think there must also be an agreement between the factions in the DPR, whether it is agreed or not," he concluded.