BREAKING NEWS - Mahfud MD Bicara Soal Pengesahan RUU TNI

Summary

In this interview, former Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, discusses concerns over the upcoming TNI (Indonesian National Army) law revision, which some fear could expand the military's role in civilian life. Mahfud reassures that the law does not return to the 'dual function' concept, despite public concerns. He explains that procedural issues in the law's creation are the main point of criticism. The conversation also touches on political decisions and the impact of post-factum thinking, where laws are passed based on established interests. Ultimately, Mahfud emphasizes that the law will not bring the military back into civilian positions, addressing public fears.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mahfud MD defends the draft law on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), stating that it does not revive the dual function (Dua Fungsi ABRI) of the military in civilian life.
• 😀 There are concerns that the law’s creation process was opaque and lacked public participation, which many see as a flaw in the legislative procedure.
• 😀 Mahfud emphasizes that the draft law, although created with questionable procedures, does not substantially alter the military's role in civilian affairs.
• 😀 According to Mahfud, the TNI's role in defense matters remains as it was before, with no significant changes to military duties in civilian positions.
• 😀 The draft law clarifies that military personnel who hold civilian positions must resign unless their roles are directly related to defense tasks.
• 😀 Mahfud highlights that the new draft law is merely reinforcing existing principles and does not introduce new military functions in civilian roles.
• 😀 The law also outlines that high-ranking military officers, such as Major General (TD), would no longer hold public office roles unless demoted to lower ranks.
• 😀 Some military positions in the civilian government have been reduced or eliminated, such as the removal of KKP (Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) from the list of agencies that could accept military personnel.
• 😀 Karlina from the Gerakan Nurani Bangsa group criticizes the law's approach, highlighting the post-factum decision-making process as a dangerous mindset for democracy.
• 😀 Mahfud acknowledges the post-factum thinking as a political decision-making process but maintains that the substance of the law remains unaffected by it.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding the proposed military law discussed in the script?

The main concern is that the proposed law might lead to the military playing a larger role in civilian affairs, potentially reinstating the so-called 'dual function' of the military (D fungsi ABRI).

How does Mahfud MD respond to the concerns about the military law's implications?

Mahfud MD acknowledges the public's concerns but reassures that the substance of the law does not actually bring the military back into civilian governance. He clarifies that the law strengthens existing arrangements and does not introduce new provisions reversing the military’s role.

What criticism does Mahfud MD have about the law’s drafting process?

Mahfud MD criticizes the process as lacking transparency and public participation, describing it as a 'hide-and-seek' approach where discussions were not open and the public was not involved adequately.

What is Mahfud MD’s view on the changes to military roles in civilian positions according to the law?

Mahfud MD explains that the law actually reinforces existing rules, such as requiring active military personnel in civilian positions to retire or request leave, except in certain cases. This, he argues, does not signify a return to the military’s civilian role.

How does Mahfud MD react to the term 'post-factum' used by Karlina regarding the law?

Mahfud MD agrees with Karlina’s characterization of the 'post-factum' way of thinking as dangerous, but he distinguishes it from the substance of the law, stating that while the process may have been flawed, the content does not revert to the feared dual function.

What specific institutional changes does the law introduce?

The law clarifies that positions previously held by military personnel in civilian roles will now require them to retire or take leave, and it adds a few new institutions that can be led by civilians, such as the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) and the Border Agency, while removing the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) from the list.

Does Mahfud MD believe the law will reinstate the military’s role in civilian governance?

No, Mahfud MD firmly denies that the law will bring back the military’s role in civilian affairs. He believes that the law does not reintroduce any 'dual function' but instead strengthens existing frameworks.

Why does Mahfud MD describe the legislative process as 'hide-and-seek'?

Mahfud MD uses the term 'hide-and-seek' to describe the secretive and non-transparent process through which the law was developed. He feels that the discussions were not open to the public and lacked meaningful participation.

What is Mahfud MD's stance on the possibility of a political decision-making process that may involve secrecy?

While Mahfud MD acknowledges that political decisions sometimes happen behind closed doors, he maintains that this does not affect the substance of the law. He emphasizes that the process was problematic but that the content of the law is not harmful.

How does Mahfud MD address the criticism that the law's content might be dangerous for Indonesia’s democracy?

Mahfud MD agrees with the criticism regarding the problematic process of the law’s creation but assures that the law's substance does not pose a threat to democracy, as it does not reinstate the military's involvement in civilian roles or the dual function of the military.