DPN Criticized: Between Strategic Mandate and Democratic Threat

JAKARTA - Public policy and governance researcher, Gian Kasogi, highlighted the lack of transparency in the decision-making process in the defense sector, especially regarding the National Defense Council (DPN).

In an open discussion in Jakarta, Monday, May 4, Gian reminded that the concentration of power that is not transparent in the defense sector has the potential to become a serious threat to democracy.

"We are concerned that the concentration of power in the defense sector that is not transparent can be a real threat to the sustainability of Indonesian democracy," he said.

According to Gian, the DPN was basically designed as an instrument to strengthen inter-institutional coordination, improve national readiness, and become a strategic forum in formulating defense policies. However, in practice, he assessed that the direction could potentially shift.

Instead of being an accountable forum, the DPN is considered to tend to operate in a closed manner so that the decision-making process is difficult to be monitored by the public and the legislative institution.

"This closure is not just an administrative issue, but touches directly on the heart of the democratic system," he said.

Gian emphasized that the defense sector does have a dimension of secrecy, but it must still be within the corridor of democratic accountability and civilian control. Without adequate oversight, he said, the room for deviation and abuse of power will be increasingly open.

He also highlighted the weak oversight mechanism for the DPN, both from the DPR and civil society, which has the potential to create a "blind spot" in national defense governance.

"The checks and balances system can be eroded when one institution has great authority but few balancing mechanisms," he said.

For this reason, Gian encourages structural reforms in the DPN, including through strengthening reporting to the DPR, the establishment of an independent supervisory body, and the establishment of transparency standards in every strategic decision-making process.

"Confidentiality is still needed, but it must be framed in clear and democratically accountable procedures," he said.