Puan on Megawati's Attitude Regarding the TNI Bill: Supportive, Because It Is in Accordance with Expectations

PDIP Chairman Megawati Soekarnoputri (PDIP Doc)

JAKARTA - Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives and Chair of the PDIP Party Central Executive Board (DPP) Puan Maharani expressed the stance of PDIP General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri in the revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 (TNI Bill)

Puan said that Megawati supports the passing of the TNI Law because the substance of the changes in the bill is in accordance with expectations.

"Supporting, because it is in accordance with what is expected," said Puan in a press conference at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Central Jakarta, Thursday, March 20.

Regarding the PDIP's stance on whether it will continue to support the government, Puan stated that her party in the DPR will work together to make President Prabowo Subianto's government a success.

"We're here in the House of Representatives (DPR) working together, will work together with the government for the sake of the nation and state," said Puan.

It is known that the Indonesian House of Representatives officially ratified the Draft Law on the amendment to Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI Bill) into Law.

The ratification of the TNI Law was approved in the 15th Plenary Meeting held at the Nusantara II Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, March 20.

In the TNI Bill, there are four points of change, the first is Article 3 concerning the position of the TNI which remains under the president regarding the deployment and use of force.

Meanwhile, defense strategy and administrative support related to strategic planning are under the coordination of the Ministry of Defense.

Then Article 7 concerning military operations other than war (OMSP), which increases the scope of the TNI's main duties from the original 14 duties to 16 duties. The addition of the two main duties includes assisting in overcoming cyber threats and assisting in protecting and saving citizens, as well as national interests abroad.

Then the third change, namely in Article 47 concerning civilian positions that can be filled by active TNI soldiers. In the old law there were 10 civil positions that could be filled by active TNI soldiers, while in the bill it has increased to 14 civil positions.

The position can be filled by active TNI soldiers only based on the request of the ministry/institution and must comply with the applicable provisions and administration. Outside of that, TNI must resign or retire from military service if they want to fill a civilian position.

The last change is in Article 53 regarding the extension of the retirement age for soldiers at all levels of rank. The retirement age limit for non-commissioned officers and privates is 55 years, while officers up to the rank of colonel have a retirement age limit of 58 years.

For high-ranking officers, the service period is extended, especially for four-star officers, namely 63 years and a maximum of 65 years. Meanwhile, in the old law, military service was up to a maximum age of 58 years for officers and 53 years for non-commissioned officers and privates.