Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta – Indonesia's armed forces have dismissed rumors that the government is preparing to impose martial law following violent demonstrations in Jakarta and several other regions.

Deputy Armed Forces Commander Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita on Monday stressed that the speculation was "completely false" and ran counter to the military's constitutional role.

"If there is such an assumption, it is very wrong. It is far from what we are doing," Tandyo told reporters at the parliament complex in Jakarta.

He stated that the Indonesian Military (TNI) would only act within the confines of the constitution and always follow direct orders from the president, particularly on strategic policies such as emergency powers.

Tandyo explained that the TNI's deployment to assist in securing protests came directly from President Prabowo Subianto, not from any unilateral initiative. "The president called both the national police chief and the armed forces commander. They made a joint statement. We are united in managing this situation together," he said.

He underlined that the police remain the lead agency in handling demonstrations, with the military stepping in only as support if conditions escalate. "There is no desire to take over. That does not exist. The police are at the forefront, and if the situation requires, we act together," Tandyo said.

The general also rejected accusations that the military allowed rioting and looting to take place unchecked during the protests. He emphasized that TNI operations are bound by law and carried out strictly as support for the police.

"The president gave the order on Aug. 30, and we deployed on Aug. 31. We abide by the Constitution. Our role is assistance," he said.

The past week's unrest has seen violent clashes, including stone-throwing and the destruction of public facilities. However, authorities said the situation has largely been brought under control, with daily activity in Jakarta, including on arterial roads and tollways, returning to normal by Monday morning.

Tandyo urged the public not to be swayed by misleading narratives about martial law or military intervention. "The TNI will always follow the constitution, wait for the president's command, and stand united with the police in maintaining security," he said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/tni-no-martial-law-military-acts-only-on-prabowos-order