Daniel Ahmad Fajri, Jakarta – Civil Society Coalition slams Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's backing for the deployment of military personnel to safeguard the House of Representatives (DPR) complex.

The group rejects the deployment of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) troops in various security operations. "Stop all forms of TNI involvement in matters of security and public order," the Coalition said in a written statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

The coalition includes Imparsial, Centra Initiative, Raksha Initiatives, Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI), DEJURE, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (PBHI), Setara Institute, LBH Apik, Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI).

The civil coalition asserts that the government must prioritize the TNI reform agenda to optimize defense roles. The reform encompasses military judicial reform, territorial command restructuring, and the eradication of the culture of violence against civil society.

The DPR Complex remains guarded by military personnel following the escalation of protests last month, with some calling for the dissolution of parliament. Meanwhile, soldiers are seen on guard duty near the parliament building until mid-September.

Several TNI tactical vehicles are still parked in the Parliament building's yard despite the absence of demonstrations. Soldiers often utilize the Parliament's facilities for their daily needs, such as bathing and washing in the building's toilets. The TNI personnel have also erected tents in the DPR yard.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the state defense institution will keep guard until the condition becomes more "conducive."

Minister Sjafrie said on Tuesday, September 16, that the decision was taken after talks with TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and three chiefs of staff.

Sjafrie said that soldiers are not only stationed to guard the DPR complex, but also other government installations that require military attention. "So people can work safely and comfortably," said the interim Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs.

– Novali Pandji contributes to the writing of this article.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2049589/indonesian-military-deployment-to-safeguard-dpr-building-draws-fla