Andika Perkaza Allow PKI Descendants To Join TNI And Gus Dur's Idea To Revoke TAP MPRS XXV 1966

JAKARTA - The statement by the TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa regarding the abolition of the ban on descendants of members of the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) from entering the Indonesian army is a breath of fresh air. Indonesia seems to have discovered a new world, after more than five decades of being haunted by the sinister shadow of communist ideology.

Andika expressed his wish to abolish the ban on PKI descendants from registering as soldiers at the coordination meeting for the admission of TNI soldiers (Military Academy cadets, Career Prajurit Officers, NCOs, and Tamtamas) for the 2022 budget year in Jakarta, March 30. Andika's statement was uploaded on the TNI Commander's YouTube channel on that same date. That's what's written," said Andika, explaining the contents of MPRS Decree XXV/1966 regarding the dissolution and prohibition of the PKI in Indonesia.

"Let's not make it up. I am a person who obeys the laws and regulations. Remember this. We forbid, make sure we have a legal basis," Andika added.

Judging to have no clear legal basis, Andika asked that the ban on PKI descendants from joining the TNI be removed.

General Andika Perkasa's statement was greeted positively by various groups. For example, the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM). Komnas HAM views that every Indonesian citizen has the same right to defend and serve his country.

“Policies like this must also be applied in other government institutions or institutions that still apply the old ways. Every citizen has the same right to participate in government and development," said Komnas HAM Commissioner Beka Ulung Hapsara when contacted by VOI, Thursday, March 31.

Member of Commission I DPR RI from the Gerindra Party, Fadli Zon also supports Andika's statement.

"Actually, there has been no prohibition for descendants of the PKI since the reformation, as long as they are loyal to Pancasila and the Republic of Indonesia," said Fadli Zon, Friday, April 1.

Member of Commission I DPR RI from the Golkar Party, Nurul Arifin also agreed with Andika's statement. Nurul refers to Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Army.

"There is no rule that prohibits the descendants of PKI members from participating in the selection of TNI soldiers. Article 5 paragraph (4) of the Regulation of the Minister of Defense Number 21 of 2012 concerning Administration of Provision of Volunteer Soldiers for the TNI has also stated that the special requirements to become TNI soldiers are regulated by the Panglima regulation," said Nurul.

Nurul added that Andika should immediately issue a Commander Regulation. One of the contents of the regulation contained a permit for children of PKI descendants to join the TNI.

So far, there are actually no rules regarding the prohibition of PKI children or descendants from becoming members of the TNI or civil servants. However, the stigma that the descendants of the PKI will surely carry the communist ideology in today's life, seems to be an original sin that cannot be erased.

In 2000 President Abdurrahmad Wahid or Gus Dur even had the chance to spark the idea of repealing TAP MPRS XXV/1966 regarding the disbandment of the PKI. The idea was not implemented, after Gus Dur received attacks and blasphemy from his political opponents.

The Minister of Research and Technology in the era of President Gus Dur, Muhammad Atho'illah Shohibul Hikam or commonly known as AS Hikam, explained the meaning of the thoughts of the 4th President of Indonesia.

“The reason Gus Dur revoked the MPRS TAP was for reconciliation. Meanwhile, the basis for reconciliation is Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution," Hikam was quoted as saying by NU Online.

"So TAP MPR No. 25 of 66 concerning the banning of the PKI even though it was revoked. Because it is contrary to the unwritten spirit of Pancasila (Bhineka Tunggal Ika) which was implemented by the Indonesian people 7 centuries before the proclamation of independence. Not only that, the text of the 1945 Constitution mandates that the state protects the entire Indonesian nation," said Hikam when giving his views on Gus Dur's ideas about the PKI at the Virtual Kongkow organized by the Gus Dur Cadre Consortium, Wednesday, October 7, 2020.

Gus Dur had even publicly apologized for the mistakes of the Indonesian government in the events of September 30, 1965, which was known as the G30S PKI. The apology was broadcast nationally by Televisi Republik Indonesia (TVRI) in 1999, when Gus Dur had just assumed the position of President of the Republic of Indonesia.

General Andika Perkasa's suggestion that children of PKI descendants may become members of the TNI will clearly provoke pros and cons, especially among the older generation of the military. Even so, the idea deserves to be realized. All for the sake of a better and harmonious national and state life in Indonesia, and of course a stronger and more populist TNI.