ABRI Veterans Association Supports Revision of TNI Law
The ABRI Veterans Association (Pepabri) has voiced its support for the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) in revising Law Number 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). General TNI (Ret.) Agum Gumelar, the Chairman of Pepabri, expressed this stance during a Public Hearing with the DPR RI Commission I on Monday, March 10, 2025.
General Gumelar highlighted the current challenging situation, emphasizing the rapid changes occurring across various aspects of life, especially in the fields of science and technology. He underscored the necessity of revising the TNI Law due to the evolving threats in line with the modern era.
“In today’s situation, changes are happening rapidly in all aspects of life, knowledge, technology, and every sector. So, if we continue to hold onto Law Number 34 of 2004, I believe it is time for a revision because the nature of threats has also changed, and the situation has developed so quickly,” General Gumelar remarked at the DPR building in Senayan, Jakarta.
Reflecting on his past military service, General Gumelar noted that the challenges faced then were not as intense as they are now. He contrasted the tangible world they navigated back then with the swift developments in the realms of reality and cyberspace today.
“In the past, when I was still active in the military, our tasks were not as burdensome as they are now because we were dealing with one world, the real world. But now, the real world and the cyber world are evolving so rapidly,” he shared.
Moreover, General Gumelar highlighted the ongoing impact of the reform era, particularly concerning the expanding societal views on freedom. He observed that sometimes, the public perceives any actions taken as right, even viewing opposition against authorities as justifiable.
“In society, it seems like everything we do is considered correct, and resisting the authorities is seen as right, as if that’s the case,” he commented.
Furthermore, General Gumelar mentioned that one of the most palpable outcomes of the reform era is an excessive sense of freedom. He stressed that this liberty should be collectively enjoyed by the entire nation and managed wisely to prevent it from spiraling into chaos that could potentially disrupt the nation.
“This sense of excessive freedom should be enjoyed collectively by our nation, but we must be adept at managing this freedom so that it does not run wild. If it spirals out of control, it will eventually pose a disruptive obstacle to the nation,” General Gumelar warned.
Expert Insights on TNI Law Revision
As discussions around revising the TNI Law unfold, experts in the field have weighed in on the potential implications of such a move. Retired military officials, legal scholars, and security analysts have shared varying perspectives on the necessity, scope, and challenges of amending the existing legal framework governing Indonesia’s armed forces.
One prominent legal expert, Dr. Siti Nurlela, emphasized the importance of aligning the TNI Law with contemporary security threats and international standards. She highlighted the need for comprehensive revisions that address technological advancements, human rights considerations, and the evolving nature of warfare in the 21st century.
“The revision of the TNI Law presents a crucial opportunity to modernize Indonesia’s defense capabilities and ensure compliance with global norms. It is essential to strike a balance between safeguarding national security and upholding fundamental freedoms in a democratic society,” Dr. Nurlela stated.
Security analyst, Dr. Budi Santoso, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the complex interplay between legal frameworks, operational requirements, and public perceptions in shaping the future of Indonesia’s military policies. He emphasized the role of transparent deliberations, stakeholder consultations, and institutional reforms in fostering a more resilient and responsive national defense system.
“The revision of the TNI Law should be approached holistically, taking into account the diverse security challenges facing Indonesia and the aspirations of its citizens. By engaging in inclusive dialogue and incorporating best practices from other countries, Indonesia can strengthen its defense posture and enhance regional stability,” Dr. Santoso noted.
