Latest news with #IndonesianMilitary
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Indonesian military's security protection for Attorney General's Office draws flak
JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military's (TNI) expanded deployment of personnel to provide security protection for prosecutors nationwide has once again landed the institution in hot water for stoking fears of military intervention in the judicial realm. The military is dispatching its soldiers to guard all prosecutors' offices nationwide in order to ensure smoothness and security for prosecutors in their work following a telegram message signed by TNI chief Gen Agus Subiyanto on May 5. The telegram message instructed the deployment of 30 military personnel for every provincial prosecutor's office and 10 for every district level office. Attorney General's Office (AGO) spokesperson Harli Siregar said on Monday that the security protection shows the TNI's support for the prosecutors and is based on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dated April 6, 2023, that aims to bolster cooperation between the two institutions. The military dispatch has alerted human rights activists who see it as a hint toward the military's growing presence in the civil sector during the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, particularly after the recent controversial amendment to the TNI Law. 'This kind of deployment further strengthens the military's intervention in the civilian sphere, especially in the law enforcement area,' a coalition of 20 rights groups, including the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) and the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), said in a statement on Sunday (May 11). The coalition called on the military to revoke the letter of deployment, as it warned that the military's defense duties could degrade the independence of Indonesia's law. Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said the order violates the Constitution and a number of laws, including the law governing the AGO and the TNI Law itself, which was revised in March despite public protest against provisions many believe pave the way for TNI's expansion into civilian roles. Army spokesperson Wahyu rebuked the claim, saying that the TNI law stipulates that the AGO is among the state institutions that active military personnel can be assigned to. But Institute for Security and Strategic Studies (ISESS) cofounder Khairul Fahmi said that the provision applies only to those who work at the office of the assistant attorney general for intelligence (Jampidmil). 'The law simply cannot be used as a basis for troop deployment,' Khairul said. Usman of Amnesty noted that this deployment order 'further strengthens public suspicion that the TNI will return to its dwifungsi [dual function] following the amendment to the TNI law', referring to the military rule of the New Order authoritarian regime under late president Suharto which led to dozens of human rights violations. The last time the military deployed its personnel to guard the AGO headquarters in Jakarta was in May of last year following an alleged attempt by members of the National Police's anti-terror unit Densus 88 to spy on the agency's top prosecutors. The latest dispatch, however, was not based on any 'special needs', Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Wahyu Yudhayana said. 'This is only part of a routine and preventive security cooperation, as has been done previously,' Wahyu said on Monday, adding that the military will continue to be professional in carrying out their tasks. Harli of the AGO stopped short of revealing whether the AGO requested the military dispatch or not but said his office had 'no certain urgency to do so', Rizal Darma Putra, executive director of the Indonesia Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies (Lesperssi), warned that the military could set a bad precedent if it put its troops at the AGO under no special circumstances. 'If the AGO is not facing a combatant threat, maintaining its security is certainly not the military's task. If the TNI cannot explain the urgency of ordering the dispatch, this could pave the way for more troop deployment in civilian affairs in the future,' Rizal said. Harli of the AGO dismissed the concerns about intervention, describing the security protection offered by the TNI as 'a collaborative effort' between the two institutions. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
CNA
11-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Innovative or ‘dangerous'? Indonesia's local leaders raise eyebrows with vasectomy-for-aid and other programmes
JAKARTA: Wearing green uniforms and hats resembling those of the Indonesian army, dozens of teenage boys lined up neatly in the middle of a field in Purwakarta, West Java, shouting: 'Ready, ready, ready! Awesome! Let's keep up the spirit!' One could be forgiven for thinking they were soldiers-in-training but they were, in fact, Indonesian junior high school students who had been deemed delinquent undergoing a 14-day boot camp. West Java governor Dedi Mulyadi, who introduced the programme, believes it is the military who can discipline these students. He has allocated 6 billion rupiah (US$363,590) for it and aims for up to 2,000 students to take part. The programme, which makes use of regional military posts and involves the Indonesian military and national police, has prompted criticism from some lawmakers and rights groups, who question if this is the right way to educate children. But Dedi has brushed off the criticism. 'If you are a leader, you must be as firm as a rock,' he told reporters on May 3 when asked about the controversy. 'If you have thoughts and ideas, never give up,' he said while visiting the students in Purwakarta. Dedi is not the only local leader in Indonesia whose new programmes have been met with scepticism. Like him, several others have stoked debate since Indonesia elected 961 governors, regents and mayors on Nov 27 last year and swore them in on Feb 20. While regional leaders have the autonomy to create their own programmes, analysts said some of the new initiatives raise questions on whether greater coordination with the central government is needed. This is to ensure they align with the targets of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. VASECTOMY, CAT ISLAND AND OTHER PROPOSALS Besides his training programme for supposedly delinquent youths, Dedi has also made headlines for suggesting that husbands who want to receive social handouts undergo a vasectomy to ensure they do not have more children and increase poverty. It is also a way for men to participate in family planning as the 'burden should not fall solely on women', he said. With a population of about 50 million, West Java is Indonesia's most populous province, and about 7.5 per cent of its inhabitants live in poverty. 'If people cannot afford childbirth, pregnancy, and education expenses, then they should not yet pursue parenthood,' said Dedi. He offered 500,000 rupiah in cash incentives to those who agree to undergo vasectomy and said: "This is not coercion, but an invitation for shared responsibility. We provide incentives, not just empty appeals.' His plan has drawn mixed reactions from the public, Islamic figures as well as ministers. Some have called it discriminatory, while others have said it is a violation of one's autonomy. In neighbouring Jakarta, governor Pramono Anung has made it mandatory for civil servants to use public transport on Wednesdays since Apr 30 and to take a selfie as evidence. The programme aims to combat the capital's notorious traffic congestion and air pollution. But so far, there has been no sanction against the 50,000 civil servants who have not obeyed the rule. Pramono also plans to dedicate an island in Jakarta's Thousand Islands regency for cats to solve the capital's ever-growing stray cat problem. According to Jakarta's government, the city has about 860,000 stray cats, possibly even 1.5 million. Meanwhile, Jakarta's population is about 11 million people. The government said an island of the Thousand Islands would be transformed into a tourist destination, creating local jobs. "If we can make it happen, then it can also be a (source of) revenue for the Thousand Islands, for people to come and enjoy cat tourism,' Pramono told local media on Mar 13. Over in Sulawesi, the regent of Gorontalo, Sofyan Puhi, in April banned transgender women from singing on stage during events, sparking protests from some transgender groups. Gorontalo's government said this is in response to public complaints that claim transgender performers violate Indonesia's social norms. SOMETHING TO SHOW IN FIRST 100 DAYS Indonesia's regional autonomy law gives local leaders the authority to implement their own programmes. In the first 100 days of their term, it is not surprising that some leaders are trying to be innovative and introduce schemes that appear to be populist, said public policy expert Trubus Rahadiansyah of Jakarta's Trisakti University. This is because they want to convince people that they are capable and increase their popularity, particularly if they wish to seek re-election in 2029. 'Such programmes could significantly affect their popularity,' said Trubus. 'And this must be done early, so the public is convinced they have a good leader who keeps his campaign promises. If the leaders introduce programmes later on, the public may not be bothered anymore (to learn about their programmes).' However, Trubus said leaders should remember Prabowo's goals and, most importantly, develop comprehensive plans that are well thought-out and aligned with the president's. Prabowo's targets are summed up in his eight visions and missions, Asta Cita, which include strengthening democracy, the country's Pancasila ideology and human rights, strengthening national defence and security, creating jobs, and developing human resources and gender equality. Asta Cita also includes a focus on downstreaming commodity supply chains so that Indonesia benefits more from its mineral resources, developing villages, political reforms and combating corruption, and creating a harmonious environment and religious tolerance. 'There should be a direct correlation between the regional leaders' plans and the central government's, the Asta Cita,' said Trubus. CONSULT MINISTRY AND PUBLIC, CONDUCT RESEARCH To stay on the right track, leaders should actively consult relevant parties, said experts. Trubus said regional leaders should ideally consult the interior ministry, which oversees the regional leaders, before implementing new programmes. Ideally, regional leaders should also involve the public before introducing a new scheme to avoid controversy and appearing as though they are showing off regional superiority, he said. The interior ministry should also be more proactive in contacting regional leaders and supervising them so they stay on the right track with their missions, as well as Prabowo's. 'For example, the transgender ban (in Gorontalo) is against human rights. That is dangerous,' he added. Political psychology expert Hamdi Muluk from the University of Indonesia said regional leaders should create evidence-based policies. They can consult their subordinates who are experts on some issues, he said. Alternatively, they can reach out to universities to conduct research before coming up with a new programme. 'For example, the boot camp military programme can be studied very carefully (with) a pedagogical, psychological approach, before being implemented,' said Hamdi. 'It would be better if policy creation were on a meritocratic or technocratic basis.' Ultimately, economist Mohammad Faisal from think tank the Centre of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia said there are many problems in the country, and Prabowo has many goals. Every region is also striving for economic growth. On Monday, the Indonesian statistics agency said the country's economy grew 4.87 per cent in the first quarter from a year earlier, its weakest growth rate in over three years. It was down from 5.02 per cent in the previous quarter, and a far cry from Prabowo's target to achieve 8 per cent economic growth annually. 'The main problem at the moment everywhere is economic problems, from lack of jobs to eradicating poverty – every region faces these problems,' said Faisal. "The role of regional heads is not only to target short-term populist programmes or quick wins, but they should solve the root of the problems in their regions.' He added that with the uncertain global economic outlook, which would affect Indonesia's economy, the pressure is greater for regional leaders to excel. There are also problems that are impossible for one region to tackle alone, he said. "There must be synchronisation between regional policies and even collaboration between regions,' he said. 'For example, if the government focuses on providing free and accessible education,' she said.
The Star
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Politics creep into Indonesia's military ranks
JAKARTA: A recent attempt to reshuffle top Indonesian Military (TNI) officers, which was followed almost immediately by its reversal, has raised fresh concerns over growing political interference in the armed forces. The episode unfolded shortly after a group of retired generals publicly called for the removal of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, fueling questions about constitutional boundaries between civil and military authority. The aborted reshuffle marks the latest chapter in the military's renewed prominence in political discourse, as the administration of Prabowo Subianto pushes to expand the TNI's role in civilian life, most notably through the recent controversial amendment to the TNI Law. Last week, TNI commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto issued a decree reassigning some 200 high-ranking officers, including First Joint Regional Defense Command (Pangkogabwilhan I) chief Lt. Gen. Kunto Arief Wibowo, who was moved to a less strategic post at TNI headquarters with no operational command. The reshuffle came after Kunto's father, former vice president Try Sutrisno, who is himself a retired Army general, backed calls from the group of retired generals under the banner 'Retired TNI Soldiers Forum' demanding the removal of Gibran, the son of former president Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo. This provoked questions about political motives, with some observers viewing it as a political retaliation against the demands of the group of retirees, which TNI spokesperson Brig. Gen. Kristomei Sianturi has denied. However, a day after the announcement, the TNI chief walked back part of the personnel shake-up and issued a new decree that revoked the transfers of Kunto and six other senior officers, raising speculations about Prabowo's interference. Increasing the political temperature, another group of military retirees publicly pledged their full support for the current government and emphasised that they represented the official organisation for military retirees, in what appeared to be a rebuttal to the first group of former officers. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, a former general known to be a loyal senior minister of Jokowi during his decade in power, has also slammed the calls for Gibran's removal, reported. Security observer Al Araf of think tank Centra Initiative raised concerns about 'deepening civilian interference' in the internal affairs of the armed forces, warning that the country is drifting away from healthy civil-military relations. 'The current situation clearly shows the presence of 'subjective civilian control',' Al Araf told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday (May 7). 'This is a form of politicisation, where civilian authorities, including the President, and figures with lingering influence from previous administrations are overstepping their constitutional limits.' 'This type of interference undermines military professionalism and threatens institutional autonomy,' he said. 'It's a dangerous pattern that weakens the structure of the TNI and sets a bad precedent for democratic governance.' He pointed to an entrenched pattern of politicisation in the armed forces dating back to Jokowi's decade of presidency, where 'the placement of top commanders, like three- and two-star generals' was determined based on personal or political proximity rather than merit, a trend which has continued in the current administration. This contrasts with past administrations, from former president Sukarno to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, where officer rotations were more aligned with their career achievements. During those eras, key appointments typically favored graduates with top honors, such as recipients of the prestigious Adhi Makayasa award. Jaleswari Pramodhawardhani of think tank Laboratorium Indonesia 2045 (LAB 45) said the cancellation of a previously announced military transfer 'was not an isolated incident', adding that it reflects 'deeper dynamics in the power configuration of Indonesia'. While she cautioned that there needs to be more transparent information about the reasons behind the abortive reshuffle to draw definitive conclusions about the presence of political interference, she said 'the possibility of political calculations influencing the decision, whether from actors within the military or from external political forces, cannot be ruled out'. Jaleswari emphasised the need to maintain a clear separation between politics and the internal management of the military, adding that 'TNI's professionalism hinges on its ability to make decisions grounded in strategic and doctrinal reasoning, not political preference.' State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi and the TNI's Kristomei did not respond when asked by the Post about Prabowo's possible involvement in the reversal of Kunto's reassignment. But Luhut denied any suggestion that the President had rebuked Agus for Kunto's reassignment, Antara reported. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Barnama
05-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Top News Headlines In Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore & Vietnam: May 5, 2025
The Indonesian Military (TNI) faces bubbling tensions after calls for the impeachment of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka led to an attempt to reshuffle the roster of high-ranking officers, potentially exposing a political rift previously not seen in an otherwise disciplined institution. President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday that the Indonesian government plans to establish an 'Indonesian village' in Saudi Arabia to accommodate Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The proposal has reportedly received a positive response from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The groundbreaking ceremony for the RM1.5 billion (US$360 million) Nam Neun 1 Hydropower Project was held in Xieng Khuang on April 29. The plant will have an installed capacity of 124 megawatts and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2028. 2. NATIONAL GOAL TO BANISH MALARIA BY 2030 -- VIENTIANE TIMES Laos targets eliminating malaria by 2030. Due to improved testing, treatment, and surveillance, cases declined from about 462,000 in 1997 to over 2,300 in 2022. Health officials acknowledged that funding, regional cooperation, and innovation are vital to achieving the goal. MYANMAR 1. HOME-MADE ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINE TESTED -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR A locally produced Myanmar Electronic Voting Machine was tested in Kachin State yesterday. Voters had a chance to experience the machine, the first of its kind to be used in Myanmar's electoral history. 2. LONG-TERM PLANS FOR GAS PRODUCTION TO MEET SUPPLY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR The government is assessing gas production capacity to prevent sudden spikes in domestic demand and ensure adequate market supply. Effective planning is crucial since oil and gas exploration and production involve significant capital and risks. SINGAPORE LEADERS PLEDGE TO DRAW LESSONS FROM GE2025, FOCUS ON UNITY AND GLOBAL RISKS -- THE STRAITS TIMES A day after the PAP was returned to power with 65.57 per cent of the vote, its elected leaders said the country must draw lessons from the general election, remain united, and stay alert to the risks and uncertainties in the external environment. 'HUMBLING' TO HAVE RECEIVED STRONG SUPPORT, SAYS DESMOND LEE AS PAP TEAMS THANK SUPPORTERS -- CNA Although the last results of the General Election came in well after midnight, MPs-elect had already hit the ground running on Sunday (May 4) morning, eagerly thanking residents for their support. VIETNAM 1. PARTY LEADER CALLS FOR INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES - - VIETNAMPLUS Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee's General Secretary To Lam said improvements in institutions and laws must continue to achieve high economic growth. Institutional changes are vital to unleashing productive forces, unlocking all available resources, and harnessing the country's potential. 2. VIETNAMESE EV MAKER SECURES MILLION DOLLAR LOAN - - VIETNAMPLUS Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast has secured a long-term syndicated loan agreement worth about RM800 million (US$190 million) from two Indonesian banks to finance the construction of its EV plant in Indonesia. -- BERNAMA BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @ @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
The Star
26-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Indonesian President Prabowo treads carefully on reshuffle demands
JAKARTA: President Prabowo Subianto has cautiously responded to a set of demands from a group of retired Indonesian Military (TNI) officers, who called for the removal of ministers linked to his predecessor Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo and the replacement of Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, eldest son of the former president. A group of retired military officers, under the banner of 'Retired TNI Soldiers Forum', issued a public statement last week as their response to the current political situation. The statement outlined eight key demands for the President, including the carrying out of a cabinet reshuffle to remove 'corrupt ministers'. They also called on Prabowo to take 'strict action' against 'state officials who are still tied to the interests of former president Jokowi'. The group also proposed the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) replace Gibran, arguing that the Constitutional Court's ruling that altered the age requirement for presidential and vice presidential candidates 'violated [...] procedural law and the law on judicial power'. The court decision paved the way for Gibran to run alongside Prabowo in the 2024 presidential election. Speaking to reporters on Thursday (April 24), Special Presidential Advisor on Political and Security Affairs Wiranto said that he discussed the group's proposals with Prabowo. Wiranto, who himself is a retired Army general and former TNI commander, said Prabowo respected and understood the perspectives shared by the fellow veterans. He added that the President would study carefully the demands, while emphasising constitutional boundaries that need to be upheld. 'As a head of state and government, the President's authority is not without limits,' Wiranto said. 'There is a clear separation among the executive, legislative and judicial powers. They cannot interfere in each other's domains.' He added that Prabowo would remain committed to accommodating input from all parties, but noted that any steps taken must comply within the Constitution and legal framework. 'If there are proposals that are not within the President's domain, of course, the President won't answer or respond to them,' the former TNI commander continued. President Prabowo Subianto (second left) shakes hands with Special Presidential Advisor on Politics and Security Wiranto (right) during an Idul Fitri open house at the State Palace in Jakarta on March 31, 2025. - Photo: Antara Calls for unity Wiranto went on to say that Prabowo had asked the public not to turn the issue into a political controversy. 'We are facing many serious challenges,' Wiranto said. 'What we need now is peace and calm in society. Let's work together in unity to face the real problems confronting the country.' A photo of the group's official statement that recently circulated on social media suggested that the eight-point demands had the support of 332 retired senior officers, including 103 generals. Among the generals signing the statement, dated February, were former vice president Try Sutrisno; former deputy TNI commander and religious minister Fachrul Razi; former Army chief of staff Tyasno Soedarto; former Navy chief of staff Slamet Soebijanto; and former Air Force chief of staff Hanafie Asnan. The group also strongly supported Asta Cita, Prabowo's eight core missions, but 'excluding the continuation of the new capital city Nusantara project'. The capital relocation plan, estimated to cost around Rp 466 trillion (US$27.6 billion), is often seen as a key part of Jokowi's political legacy. Other demands included reinstating the original version of the 1945 Constitution and restoring the National Police to their primary role of maintaining public order under the Home Ministry. Rift within? The demands from the former military officers surfaced amid speculation over divided loyalties in Prabowo's cabinet, following a series of visits by some of his ministers to Jokowi's private residence in Surakarta, Central Java. Among these were Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono and Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who publicly referred to the former president as their 'boss' despite them now serving under Prabowo. The President recently sidelined Hasan Nasbi, who has been leading the Presidential Communication Office (PCO) since its establishment in the last months of Jokowi's administration, by appointing State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, also a politician of his Gerindra Party, as the presidential spokesperson. But Prasetyo denied that he was appointed spokesperson to replace Hasan, asserting that he 'works together' with the PCO after he was 'asked to help' the communications office. Prabowo also recently called on his ministers to maintain unity within his administration, which was conveyed during a phone call on April 20 to Coordinating Social Empowerment Minister Muhaimin Iskandar, who chairs the pro-government National Awakening Party (PKB). Muhaimin was hosting a post-Idul Fitri social gathering in Jakarta, attended by several cabinet members and politicians belonging to parties in Prabowo's coalition. Prasetyo denied that Prabowo's demand for unity signaled a rift in the cabinet, saying that the President often encouraged ministers to stay united to maintain the morale of the administration. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
