Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – The Chairperson of the Board of Centra Initiative Al Araf responded to the recent incidents of TNI soldiers entering university campuses following the enactment of the TNI Law. They viewed these actions as reviving patterns from the era of the New Order.
They warned that the military's presence on campus threatens academic freedom. "Campuses have academic freedom and the military does not belong in that space," Al Araf said during an online discussion with the BRIN Political Research Center on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Al Araf attributed the military's growing presence to student opposition against the recently passed TNI Law, suggesting that the military may view student criticism as a threat.
They also criticized the vague definition of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) in the new law, pointing out the lack of a clause requiring political approval for non-combat military deployments.
"This is a serious problem resulting from the enactment of the TNI Law. This relaxation has occurred so that OMSP is like a blank check," they said.Recent incidents involving the TNI on campuses include the signing of a cooperation agreement between Udayana University in Bali and Kodam IX/Udayana, later revoked following student protest.
BEM Unud opposed the partnership, citing concerns over military influence in civil education.
Similar tensions arose during a student discussion at UIN Walisongo, Semarang, where TNI personnel were present, and at the University of Indonesia in Depok, where military members appeared during a national student consolidation event.
In response, Indonesian Army Information Division Head Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana denied accusations of militarization, explaining that military involvement on campuses is based on invitations or formal cooperation agreements.
"The presence of the Army on campuses has always been based on legitimate cooperation, is educational, and is done by invitation or coordination with the campus," Wahyu stated in a written release on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to the writing of this article.