TNI-Polri Must Be Neutral, PDIP alludes to the Threat of Authoritarianism

JAKARTA - Secretary General of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) Hasto Kristiyanto emphasized his party's commitment to maintaining the neutrality of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) and the Republic of Indonesia Police (Polri) from practical political interests.

The statement was made by Hasto after the closing of the 2026 I PDIP national working meeting (Rakernas) at the Beach City International Stadium (BCIS), Ancol, North Jakarta, Monday, January 12.

Hasto explained that PDIP's attitude regarding the reform of the TNI and Polri was based on the spirit of the 1998 Reformasi, which explicitly placed the defense and security institutions outside the political arena of power. "In the democratic system of reform, the TNI is placed as the defense force of the country, not as a practical political instrument. That's what we keep reminding you," said Hasto.

He conveyed PDIP's dream to build a professional, modern, and respected TNI at the international level, including in the world peace mission. PDIP also encourages the modernization of the main tools of the weapons system (alutsista) to strengthen the country's defense.

Regarding the National Police, Hasto emphasized the importance of the law enforcement agency to remain independent and not be used for electoral purposes. He also appreciated President Prabowo Subianto's step in forming a National Police reform team.

"We support President Prabowo's decision to carry out police reform, while providing a framework for thinking from a constitutional perspective," he explained.

Apart from the issue of neutrality of the apparatus, Hasto also reminded of the danger of the emergence of signals of authoritarianism, by referring to the phenomenon of authoritarian populism. He quoted the thoughts of political scientist Steven Levitsky about the decline of democracy which is often triggered by the weakness of institutions, law enforcement, and the abandonment of ethics and leadership morals.

According to Hasto, the moral ethics of leaders who respect the sovereignty and independence of state institutions are the most effective bulwark in maintaining democracy. "The issue of the moral ethics of leaders, including not interfering with the sovereignty of other high state institutions, has proven to be a very powerful defense of democracy," he concluded.