Dani Aswara, Jakarta – The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) has called on President Prabowo Subianto to regulate the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Cyber Unit after it patrolled social media to investigate alleged criminal acts.
The watchdog argues the TNI has overstepped its authority in a case involving influencer Ferry Irwandi, a frequent government critic.
ICJR researcher Iqbal M. Nurfahmi criticized TNI Cyber Unit Commander Brigadier General Juinta Omboh Sembiring, who coordinated with the Jakarta Metro Police regarding findings of alleged crimes by Irwandi. According to Iqbal, such actions contradict both the 1945 Constitution and the TNI Law.
"The TNI is not designed to function as a law enforcement agency. Its duty is to defend the state, not to conduct criminal investigations," Iqbal said in a written statement on Monday, September 8, 2025.
He noted that Article 30(3) of the Constitution clearly states the TNI's role is to safeguard national sovereignty. Under the TNI Law, its cyber mandate is limited to countering threats in the defense sector, not policing civilians.
"Patrolling to investigate alleged crimes is the National Police's authority under the Criminal Procedure Code," Iqbal added.
According to ICJR, the TNI's involvement in such activities could endanger democracy and human rights. The group urged President Prabowo to put an immediate stop to any military operations that stray from legal mandates.
On the same day, Brig. Gen. Juinta visited the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, where he said his unit had identified suspected criminal activity by Irwandi through cyber patrols.
"From our monitoring, we found indications of criminal acts committed by Mr. Ferry Irwandi," Juinta told reporters. "As law-abiding citizens, we prioritize the legal process, and in light of these allegations, we will take appropriate steps."
– Nabiila Azzahra contributed to the writing of this article.