Francisca Christy Rosana, Jakarta – The ratification of the TNI bill is scheduled to take place at the DPR today, Thursday, March 20, 2025.
A group of civil society who opposes the revision of Law No. 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian Military Armed Forces (TNI) has set up tents behind the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Senayan, Central Jakarta since the early hours. "We came from various cities since midnight," said a protester who refused to be named when met in Senayan, Jakarta.
The protesters rejecting the TNI bill claimed that they are not gathered in any specific community or alliance. They participated in rejecting the law revision after obtaining information on the X social media platform. A total of 30 people came without knowing each other with different backgrounds.
Some of them claimed to take leave from work to participate in the demonstration. "We are trying as much as possible to prevent the ratification of the revision of the law, which has minimal involvement of civil society," said one protester.
Civil society groups have brought a number of demands, including pressing for the cancellation of the TNI law revision. Civil society considers that the DPR and the government from the beginning have not been transparent in preparing this law revision.
Previously, civil society scrutinized the circulating draft of the law revision. They collected various drafts and a list of inventory of problems (DIM). The protesters also claimed to have scrutinized each article one by one.
In the article of the law revision, civil society sensed an attempt to revive the dual function of the TNI through the expansion of the military's role in various ministries and agencies. The initial draft has been around the DPR Legislative Body since 2024.
In addition to rejecting the dual function, the public requests the TNI to return to its main task and function of defending the state. They urge the TNI to return to the barracks. The protesters claimed that they will persist with their tents at the back gate of the Senayan building until the plenary session is over.
Previously, all factions in the DPR agreed to bring this revision of the TNI law to the plenary session, which is scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Chairman of Commission I, Utut Adiyanto stated that all factions had agreed, although each gave notes.
"Next, I request your approval whether the revision of the bill regarding changes to Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI can be approved for further discussion at the II-level meeting during the plenary session," said Utut at the Parliament Building Complex in Senayan on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chair of Commission I DPR, Dave Laksono said that the revision of the TNI law will be ratified as a law in the upcoming plenary session. Previously, the DPR was scheduled to hold a plenary session on Thursday, March 20, 2025.