Expert Response To The TNI Bill: Soldiers In Civil Positions Must Retire

JAKARTA - Pertamina University security and defense expert Ian Montratama said that the placement of TNI soldiers in civilian positions in institutions outside the political and security sector (polkam) is still required to retire early.

Ian made this statement when asked about the Draft Law on Amendments to Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Army (RUU TNI), and the revision of Article 47 paragraph (2) of the TNI Law.

"If the TNI's pati (high-ranking officer) holds a civil position far from politics and security, it is better if it is a transfer of status to civilians," said Ian when contacted by ANTARA from Jakarta, Wednesday, March 5.

He explained that the transfer of status was necessary so that the soldier did not have the right to return to duty in the TNI.

Furthermore, he explained that the reason the soldier needed to change his status to a civilian was because he supported the planning of personnel in the TNI.

"If it does not meet the qualifications for promotion, then in addition to early retirement, it can also transfer the status of civilian officials in other agencies," he explained.

Previously, Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives in charge of defense held a Public Hearing Meeting (RDPU) during March 3-4, 2025 to hear input from experts and non-governmental organizations on issues related to the TNI Bill.

One of the inputs discussed in the RDPU is that members of the TNI are allowed to fill civilian positions outside the provisions of Article 47 paragraph (2) of the TNI Law.

In Article 47 paragraph (2) of the TNI Law, it is explained that soldiers can hold civilian positions in institutions in charge of coordinators in the fields of politics and national security, national defense, secretary of the presidential military, state intelligence, state codes, national resilience institutions, national defense councils, national SARs, national narcotics, and the Supreme Court.