Mahfud MD Bicara Nasib Letkol Teddy Apabila RUU TNI Disahkan

Summary

The video script discusses a revision to Indonesia's TNI (Military) law, which impacts the position of the Secretary of Cabinet, Tedi Indrawijaya. The revision moves the position to be under the Presidential Military Secretariat, reducing it to an Echelon 2 position. The discussion covers concerns about TNI's involvement in civilian positions, the expansion of institutions that TNI personnel can occupy, and the broader implications of military influence in government. While some concerns about military supremacy over civilians are raised, it is emphasized that the changes are moderate, and significant power shifts have not occurred.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Secretary of the Cabinet (SESKAP) role, previously on par with ministers, is now classified under the Secretary of the Military President (SES-MIL), lowering the position to Echelon 2.
• 😀 This revision aims to better align the TNI's (Indonesian National Armed Forces) role within civilian administration while reinforcing existing structures.
• 😀 The revision includes the addition of five more institutions (from 10 to 15) where active military personnel can serve, prompting concerns over growing military influence in civil governance.
• 😀 Mahfud MD, former Minister of Defense, explained that the changes are not major, and they mainly serve to reinforce pre-existing policies and frameworks in military-civil coordination.
• 😀 Despite the revision, the TNI’s ability to hold civilian positions is still regulated to avoid political overreach, with no changes to the restriction on active-duty military members participating in politics.
• 😀 Mahfud clarified that TNI personnel no longer hold political positions without restrictions, unlike during the New Order era, when they could be appointed to positions like members of the MPR/DPR without elections.
• 😀 Concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of a military-dominated government, similar to the era of the New Order, though Mahfud reassured that these fears are unfounded given the new legal frameworks.
• 😀 The role of TNI in civilian administration is considered necessary to ensure the security of the state, but the revision of the law ensures that military influence remains in check.
• 😀 The public's resistance to the potential return of the Dwi Fungsi (dual function) of the military, which previously allowed the TNI to influence civil and political governance, played a significant role in shaping the revision.
• 😀 Mahfud emphasized that while the number of institutions that TNI can be involved in has expanded, the system in place still maintains a balance to prevent any excessive military control over civilian matters.

Q & A

What significant change has occurred in the role of the Secretary of the Cabinet in the revised TNI law?

The role of the Secretary of the Cabinet, traditionally held by Tedi Indrawijaya, has been demoted from an Echelon 1 ministerial position to an Echelon 2 position under the Secretariat of the Military President.

Why was the position of Secretary of the Cabinet moved under the Secretariat of the Military President?

The position was moved under the Secretariat of the Military President as part of the revision to the TNI law, aiming to clarify the administrative structure and place the role within the military framework rather than as a ministerial position.

What is the concern regarding the military's role in civilian governance after the TNI law revision?

The concern is that the revision could increase the military's influence in civilian governance, as the law expands the number of institutions that active military personnel can hold positions in, from 10 to 15.

How does Mahfud MD address the concerns about the TNI law revision?

Mahfud MD reassures that the revision does not grant additional powers to the military and that it merely reaffirms administrative responsibilities under the Ministry of Defense, with no significant changes to the military’s role in politics or civilian governance.

What was the historical context mentioned regarding the 'dual function' of the military?

The 'dual function' refers to the military's active involvement in both governance and civilian affairs during the 'New Order' regime, a system that was later dismantled due to concerns over democratic decay, and which is feared by some to be resurfacing in the current revision.

What is the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and students in the law revision process?

CSOs and students played a key role in protesting the potential revival of the military's dual function. Their activism helped influence the final version of the law, ensuring that the military's role in civilian governance remained restricted.

Has the military's involvement in politics and civilian roles been significantly expanded by the revision?

No, the revision does not significantly expand the military’s role in politics or civilian positions. It mainly focuses on administrative adjustments, reaffirming existing roles and responsibilities without granting new powers to the military.

How many institutions can active military personnel hold positions in after the law revision?

After the revision, active military personnel can hold positions in 15 institutions, up from the previous 10 institutions.

What are the potential consequences of the military being allowed to hold positions in more institutions?

While it may appear that the military's influence is growing, the increase in institutions is relatively small and does not equate to a significant shift in the balance between civilian and military roles in governance. The revision does not allow the military to hold any position without restrictions.

What is the final stance on the revision of the TNI law in terms of its impact on the military’s power?

The revision is viewed as a technical adjustment rather than a drastic change, with the overall structure of military involvement in governance remaining largely the same. The concerns about the military’s increased power are seen as overblown, and the law is considered fair and balanced in its approach.