Marsda TNI Budhi Achmadi: Defense and Development Must Run in the Corridor of Democracy

JAKARTA - In the midst of increasing global threat complexity, the role of the military can no longer be understood as limited to a state defense instrument. Modern threats faced by various countries now include terrorism, natural disasters, pandemics, cyber attacks, energy and food crises, to technological disruptions that directly impact national stability.

This view was conveyed by the Assistant Strategist (Asstra) of the TNI Commander, Marsda TNI Dr. Budhi Achmadi, in his article entitled "Defense, Development, and the Corridor of Democracy". According to him, this condition makes the thinking of political scientist Alfred Stepan relevant again, especially regarding the concept of the role of the military in defense and development (defense and development).

Budhi explained that Stepan saw that in developing countries, the military was often one of the state's instruments that had high organizational, disciplinary, and mobility capabilities to help overcome various national problems amid the limitations of the capacity of civilian institutions.

"Military in developing countries bear the responsibility of defense, but can also contribute to national development. However, these contributions must be carried out professionally, proportionately, and remain within the democratic corridor," wrote Budhi, Wednesday (24/6).

In his study, Alfred Stepan distinguishes the concept of old professionalism and new professionalism. The first concept places the military solely as an external defense guard oriented towards conventional warfare. While new professionalism views threats to the state as much broader, including non-military threats that can disrupt stability and the sustainability of national development.

According to Budhi, this practice is not only happening in developing countries. Various developed countries also involve the military in national development with different approaches.

He cited China which uses the military in the development of strategic technology, defense industries, and national infrastructure development. In the United States, a number of major innovations such as the internet, GPS, and space technology were born from defense sector investments. Meanwhile, Russia makes the defense sector one of the driving forces for the development of industry, science, and technology.

"Even in many other developed countries, the military is involved in disaster management, protection of critical infrastructure, research and innovation, and strengthening national capacity to face various crises," he said.

Budhi also highlighted the military's contribution to the development of public welfare. In the United States, the military routinely provides health and education services to remote communities. The Chinese People's Liberation Army has been an important instrument in poverty alleviation and rural development programs. In India and Brazil, the military also plays an active role in the development of educational facilities, health services, and community empowerment in remote areas.

According to him, the experience of various countries shows that security and development are two inseparable aspects.

"A safe country has room to grow and develop, while successful development will strengthen the stability and resilience of the country," he said.

In the context of Indonesia, Budhi assessed that the TNI has a unique historical experience. Since the independence struggle, the TNI has not only been tasked with safeguarding state sovereignty, but also contributing to national development, ranging from infrastructure development, border security, disaster management, strengthening food security, to helping people in underdeveloped and isolated areas.

As the largest archipelago country in the world with a high level of disaster vulnerability, Indonesia needs the synergy of all national instruments. In various emergency situations, the TNI is considered to have the ability to mobilize quickly, have a wide reach, and have organizational capacity that allows it to be present directly in the community.

"Experiences in dealing with natural disasters, the Covid-19 pandemic, and various emergency situations show that this role is an important part of strengthening national resilience," he explained.

However, Budhi emphasized that the involvement of the military in development must remain within the corridor of democracy and civilian supremacy. Military professionalism in a democratic country, according to him, is not measured by the extent of the political space it has, but by its ability to carry out its duties effectively under the authority of a legitimate civil authority and respect for the constitution.

Therefore, the participation of the TNI in development should not be interpreted as taking over the functions of civilian institutions or the return of military political practices. This involvement must be understood as a form of support for state policies based on political decisions and applicable laws and regulations.

"The TNI helps strengthen the capacity of the state, not replacing the role of civil institutions," he said.

Budhi assessed that in the era of multidimensional threats today, the synergy between the government, community, business world, academics, and the TNI is an inevitable need. National defense is no longer solely a military affair, but the responsibility of all components of the nation. Likewise, development requires the orchestration of all national forces.

In order to realize Indonesia Gold 2045, Indonesia needs stability, national resilience, and accelerated sustainable development. Therefore, the concept of new professionalism proposed by Alfred Stepan is considered to remain relevant as a foundation for modern civil-military relations thinking.

"A professional military, subject to civilian supremacy, and contributing to development will be one of the important pillars for the realization of a safe, advanced, and prosperous country," wrote Budhi.

According to him, the essence of new professionalism in the 21st century is the presence of a strong army in maintaining state sovereignty while being able to contribute to national development, without ever abandoning democratic principles.