The Duties Of The Deputy Commander Of The Indonesian Armed Forces Who Are Re-filled After 25 Years Of Vacant

YOGYAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to inaugurate the Deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The inauguration ceremony will take place at the Special Forces Education and Training Center (Pusdiklatpassus) in Batujajar, West Java.

This inauguration ended the vacancy in the position of Deputy TNI Commander for more than two decades. This position was last filled by General (Ret.) Fachrul Razi from 1999 to 2020, before finally being removed from the organizational structure of the TNI.

Now, this position has been revived as part of efforts to strengthen the structure of command and coordination within the Indonesian military.

Although the name of the candidate for Deputy Commander in Chief has not been officially announced, the TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto confirmed that he has pocketed several names of high-ranking four-star officers as candidates.

"There are several candidates," said Agus when met at the DPR Complex, Jakarta.

The head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Kristomei Sianturi, also confirmed the inauguration plan, although he has not mentioned who will accompany the Commander in Chief in the near future.

The existence of the Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces aims to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the TNI Commander's work, especially in managing the strength of the Tri Matra TNI, namely the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

In the context of increasingly complex defense challenges and the need for rapid coordination in various military and non-military operations, the presence of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief is becoming increasingly relevant.

This position is officially regulated in Presidential Regulation Number 66 of 2019 concerning the Organizational Structure of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. In the regulation, it is explained in detail the various strategic tasks that must be carried out by the Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces.

The following are the roles and responsibilities of the Deputy Commander of the TNI based on applicable regulations:

The Deputy Commander in Chief has an important role in supporting the TNI Commander in carrying out daily tasks, both in terms of operations and strength development. This includes cross-tra coordination and supervision of the implementation of internal policies.

2. Give Advice to the Commander

As the right-hand man of the Commander in Chief, the Deputy Commander in Chief is tasked with providing input regarding national defense policies as well as the development of Indonesia's military posture and strength.

3. Provide Input in Doctrine Development and Military Strategy

The Deputy Commander in Chief was also involved in the development of military doctrines, defense strategies, and the use of military forces in peaceful situations and conflicts.

4. Carry Out The Duties Of The Commander When Obstructing

The Deputy Commander in Chief has the authority to carry out the duties of the TNI Commander if the Commander is unable. In other words, this position is an extension as well as a legal temporary replacement.

5. Carrying Out Special Duties from the TNI Commander

In addition to the five main roles above, the Deputy Commander in Chief can also be given other special tasks by the Commander in Chief according to the needs of the organization and national conditions.

The Indonesian National Army (TNI) is the main military force of the country consisting of three forces, namely land, sea, and air.

The TNI is tasked with protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia from domestic and foreign threats. Since Indonesia's independence in 1945, the TNI has experienced various structural transformations.

The TNI is not only tasked with military operations, but is also involved in humanitarian tasks such as disaster management, maintenance of public order, and securing strategic areas.

With the changing dynamics of global and regional security, modernization and strengthening of the organization are crucial, this is where the position of the Deputy Commander in Chief plays an important role.

With the re-filling of this position, it is hoped that there will be an increase in the effectiveness of decision making, response to emergency situations, and long-term strategic planning in maintaining Indonesia's defense and sovereignty.