Observer Says Just Emptying Andika Perkasa's Deputy Position: If His Motivation Is To Accommodate Kasal Yudo Margono, It's Not Logical

TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto (left) accompanied by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Yudo Margono (right). (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Political communication observer from Esa Unggul University, Jakarta, M Jamiluddin Ritonga, suggested that the seat of deputy commander of the TNI (Army) should not be filled.

The statement was made by Jamil regarding the discourse to fill the position of deputy TNI Commander after General Andika Perkasa was appointed as TNI Commander.

The filling of the seats was intended to accommodate KSAL (Chief of Staff of the Navy) Admiral Yudo Margono, who was not elected as TNI Commander.

"If that's the motivation, of course, it's very illogical. Because empty seats are filled solely to accommodate someone, not because of organizational needs", Jamil said in a written statement in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Sunday, November 14.

He assessed that the position of deputy commander, which was rumored to be given to TNI Admiral Yudo Margono, was clearly based on political considerations.

As a result, he said, professionalism would be increasingly disturbed. Therefore, the position is no longer a prestigious position to be occupied by officers who serve as chief of staff of the force.

According to him, in terms of administrative and command functions, the function of the Deputy Commander of the TNI is attached to the chief of staff, either Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL), and/or Air Force Chief of Staff (KSAU) who are responsible for command, development in each of their respective spells.

"Therefore, it would be ridiculous if the position was given to Yudo Margono, who is currently a four-star general", said Jamil.

According to Jamil, even if the deputy Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces does have to be filled, ideally the one who fills it is still three stars. As a promotion. They can be appointed directly by the President, without going through a fit and proper test in the Indonesia House of Representatives.

"It's just that, in my opinion for now filling the position of deputy commander of the TNI is not an urgent need", said Jamil, adding that if so far without a deputy commander, the TNI remained solid.

He suggested that the discourse on filling the position of deputy commander should be abandoned because it would only be a burden on the state budget. Moreover, Indonesia is currently experiencing budget difficulties. In addition, if Admiral Yudo Margono is indeed worthy of being the Commander of the TNI, of course, there will still be his turn for next year.

The legal basis for the position of deputy commander of the TNI is Presidential Regulation Number 66 of 2019 concerning the Organizational Structure of the TNI which was raised by President Joko Widodo. The Presidential Regulation does not regulate in detail the requirements and mechanisms for the appointment of a deputy TNI commander as the mechanism and requirements for the appointment of a TNI Commander in Law no. 34 of 2004.

And there is no single article that states that the position of deputy commander of the TNI must have already occupied the position of Staff of the Forces. Thus, the position of deputy commander of the TNI is the full prerogative of the President, following the TNI's internal mechanisms and governance administration.

Previously, the position of deputy commander of the TNI was revived by President Joko Widodo through Presidential Regulation Number 66 of 2019 concerning the Organizational Structure of the Indonesian National Armed Forces which was signed by Jokowi. The position of Deputy Commander of the TNI itself is not new.