Dani Aswara, Jakarta – Exactly one year into President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, or TNI, has become the state's "golden child." It is indeed not surprising, given Prabowo's long-standing background in the forces, but it still failed to bring positive reform, of creating a professional and neutral military.
Imparsial Director Ardi Manto Adiputra believes Prabowo-Gibran's government has showcased strong military consolidation tendencies. "The government, along with the House of Representatives, has taken steps that encourage military dominance in the civil domain, both in legal norm and in factual implementation," said Ardi when met in South Jakarta on October 17, 2025.
1. Military normalization in the civil domain
According to Ardi, the involvement of the TNI in national strategic projects such as the Merauke food estate expands military operations other than war (OMSP). He also underscores the military involvement in Prabowo's flagship free nutritious meal program, which he says violates TNI Law Number 34 of 2004. "The establishment of five new infantry battalions in Papua not only deviates from the TNI's main role, but also has the potential to worsen the spiral of violence there," he said.
2. Active soldiers occupy civil posts
Ardi mentioned that the placement of active soldiers in strategic civilian positions undermines the principle of civil supremacy. "The appointment of Major Teddy Indra Wijaya as Cabinet Secretary and Major General Ahmad Rizal Ramdhani as President Director of Perum Bulog is a clear violation of Articles 39 and 47 of the TNI Law," he said.
3. DPN as possible superbody
He criticized the formation of the National Defense Council (DPN), which has broad authority through Presidential Regulation Number 202 of 2024. The composition of the DPN, dominated by military elements, he said, eliminates the principle of checks and balances in defense policies.
4. Strengthening territorial commands
The plan to form 100 Territorial Development Battalions (BTP) under a military district command, according to Ardi, actually revives the dual function pattern of the New Order regime. "Instead of restructuring, the government strengthens the structure that was once used for political interests," he said.
5. Impunity and military violence
Imparsial notes various cases of violence involving TNI members being tried in military courts. He mentioned the lenient verdicts in the cases of the murder of Reverend Yeremia Zanambani and the shooting of a child in Serdang Bedagai as examples of a feeble attempt at accountability. "This system creates impunity and disregards the principle of a fair trial," said Ardi.
6. Legalization of militarism through regulations
According to Ardi, the revision of the TNI Law and the adoption of Presidential Regulation 66 of 2025 legitimize military involvement in civilian affairs. These measures, he said, illustrate how the government would rather normalize legal violations than rectify them.
Ardi mentioned that defense and security policies over the past year mark a serious regression in the military reform agenda. "The government has not only failed to continue TNI reform, but also strengthened militarism and restored the military's role in various aspects of national life," he said.