The Public Is Worried About The New TNI Law, Puan: Soldiers Are Still Not Allowed To Do Business And Politics

Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, together with Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, March 20. (Nailin-VOI)

JAKARTA - The chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, responded to public concerns regarding changes to the rules in the new TNI Law. Puan emphasized that there will be no changes that will allow the TNI to be involved in politics or business.

"The TNI is still prohibited from doing business and politics. This is a principle that we maintain well. We want to emphasize that this will not change," said Puan at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday, March 20.

Puan said that the revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Army (TNI) which had just been ratified at the plenary meeting would not change the basic principles regarding the position of the TNI in Indonesian countries.

He stated that the DPR had carried out the process of discussing the TNI Bill according to the applicable mechanism and listened to all the aspirations of a number of elements of society, including students.

"We from the DPR and the government receive input and aspirations from all elements of society that are considered important, and of course we have also listened to input from student representatives," said the PDIP legislator for the Central Java electoral district.

Puan explained that the discussion of the newly passed TNI Bill focuses on three main articles, namely Article 7 concerning Military Operations Apart from War (OMSP), Article 47 which expands the scope of active TNI positions in ministries and institutions from 10 to 14 ministries/agencies, as well as Article 53 concerning retired soldiers.

"We want to ensure that the TNI is only placed in areas that are relevant and needed for the state. In addition, we are committed to prioritizing civil supremacy and maintaining democratic and human rights in accordance with the provisions of the legislation that applies in Indonesia and internationally," explained Puan.

Puan also stated that the DPR is ready to provide further explanations to students and the public who still have doubts regarding the revision of the TNI Law. He made sure things that were feared like ABRI's dyafunction would not happen.

"We are ready for dialogue and provide an explanation directly. There is no need for baseless suspicion or prejudice. We hope that the community, especially students, can better understand what has been passed and how this will have a positive impact on the nation's development. We continue to prioritize civil supremacy," he concluded.