JAKARTA Military observer from Unsoed, Andi Ali Said Akbar assessed that differences of opinion and war of narrative among retired soldiers have the potential to drag the TNI into the realm of political power struggles.
As is known, the narration war among the retired TNI emerged related to the issue of impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, after the emergence of the Army Retired Association (PPAD) under the leadership of Komaruddin Simanjuntak rejected the discourse on the impeachment of Gibran.
This statement of attitude was made in response to the emergence of the TNI Retired Forum consisting of 103 retired TNI and demanding eight things against President Prabowo Subianto, one of which asked Gibran to be replaced.
"A sharp difference of opinion regarding Gibran's impeachment discourse between PPAD and the Purnawirawan Forum has the potential to drag the TNI into a arena for political power struggles. Moreover, added to the controversy over Kunto Arief Wibowo's mutation," Andi told reporters, Sunday, May 11, 2025.
Kunto, the son of Try Sutrisno, was transferred to the Special Staff of the Army Chief of Staff (KSAD).
In fact, Kunto has only served as Commander of Kogabwilhan I for four months. Later, the mutation was canceled because President Prabowo Subianto was said to have disagreed with the mutation's decision.
According to Andi, Kunto's mutation was not normal, it even indicated a political nuance that damaged the TNI.
As a result, the tour of duty in the TNI is carried out within a year or two years after taking office.
"This mutation was also carried out in the near future with the incident of Kunto's father, namely Try Sutrisno, stating his joint attitude with other retired journalists who one of the points demanded the impeachment of the vice president. In this context, of course, the public could speculate that there could be a political aroma," he said.
He emphasized that based on the law, the TNI should not be involved in practical politics unless it has retired or resigned. Therefore, Try Sutrisno's actions to propose that Gibran's impeachment should not be blamed.
"Because of his political rights as a retired citizen who has returned to being an ordinary civilian. His actions do not necessarily have something to do with his son who is still active in the TNI. For that, it is important for the TNI to be careful in managing career management in the TNI so that it is truly based on military principles," explained Andi.
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He reminded that the two retired TNI groups who had different opinions about Gibran did not involve the TNI institutions in their political maneuvers.
In addition, TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto was also asked to be wise in responding to differences of opinion among retired people.
"So, you have to be careful with the TNI Commander. He has to keep the TNI from being dragged. In this case, the political intrigue in civilians is finally disturbing the army. The Kunto mutation was the result of a civil political battle that penetrated the TNI," concluded Andi.
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