Dani Aswara, Jakarta – A civil society coalition argues that President Prabowo Subianto is misdiagnosing the root problem in the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) promotions and job rotations. The combined non-governmental organizations assert that the core issue is not the seniority system, but rather the strong politicization within the military.
"The current issue of mutations and promotions stems from strong politicization within the TNI, not a matter of seniority," said Ardi Manto Adiputra, Director of Imparsial, in a press release on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.
The coalition includes Imparsial, De Jure, the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi), the Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI), Centra Initiative, and Raksha Initiative.
Ardi stated that political interference, not senior-junior dynamics, is disrupting the current practice of promotions and rotations within the TNI.
The coalition's critique of Prabowo's policy
The civil society coalition specifically referred to Prabowo's speech at the 80th Anniversary of the TNI two days prior. In that address, Prabowo directed TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and the chiefs of the three services to avoid overly considering the seniority factor in leadership selection. Instead, Prabowo called for job promotions to prioritize achievement, dedication, and love for the motherland.
The coalition argues that spanning from President Joko Widodo's government (2014-2024) to Prabowo's current administration (2024-2029), the TNI promotion and rotation processes have been determined more by political proximity to power than by competence, experience, and professionalism. They believe Prabowo has disregarded the principle of meritocracy and replaced it with considerations of political loyalty.
They cited the extraordinary promotion of Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya as a key example. Eddy, who now holds the rank of lieutenant colonel, served as Cabinet Secretary in Prabowo's government. He was initially Prabowo's aide when the President was Minister of Defense (2019-2024), holding the rank of major. He received the promotion to lieutenant colonel on March 6, 2025.
The coalition views Teddy's rapid promotion as having eroded the principle of meritocracy and strengthened political practices within the TNI. "Promotions and rotations tend to only occur for those who have political and economic access to power. Meanwhile, officers who do not have political access struggle to get promoted despite their achievements," Ardi Manto Adiputra explained.
According to the coalition, these practices make it difficult for senior officers with good experience and track records to rise in rank, while junior officers close to power receive quicker promotions.
Official response and further criticism
Regarding Teddy's promotion, Army Chief of Information Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana previously explained that it was conducted in accordance with TNI Law.
"The promotion is in accordance with the prevailing regulations in the TNI, and administratively all requirements have been fulfilled," Wahyu said on Thursday, March 6, 2025, as quoted by Antara.
Teddy's promotion was outlined in Decree Number Sprin/674/II/2025, citing several regulations as justification, including the TNI Commander's Regulation on the use and rank of TNI soldiers.
The civil society coalition also highlighted extraordinary promotions given to problematic officers and retirees, including those allegedly involved in serious human rights violations in the past.
They criticized President Prabowo for implementing subjective civil control, which relies on personal loyalty to political leaders, rather than objective civil control, which emphasizes a clear division of authority and expertise between civilians and the military. They believe this subjective practice damages the professionalism of the TNI and blurs the function of the state defense institution.
Furthermore, the coalition pointed out the contradiction between Prabowo's mandate to disregard seniority and the revision of the TNI Law. The revised law extends the retirement age of senior officers, allowing them to retain their positions longer. This extension will inevitably lead to stagnant job promotions and an accumulation of TNI officers at certain ranks.
Based on these issues, the civil society coalition urged the government to restore the principle of meritocracy in the promotion and job rotation system within the TNI. "This is important to avoid internal disputes among soldiers, uphold the constitution, and respect the law and human rights," concluded Ardi Manto Adiputra.
Tempo has sought responses from Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya and Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari regarding the various criticisms from the civil society coalition, but neither has responded to the inquiries as of the time of this report.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2055250/civil-coalition-slams-prabowo-over-tnis-politicized-promotion-syste