Indonesia civil-military relations debate highlights democratic concerns

During a public discussion at Universitas Brawijaya, academics and researchers raised concerns regarding the blurring lines between civilian and military roles in Indonesia. Experts argued that the increasing involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in various non-defense sectors poses a threat to democracy and the rule of law.

Poltak Partogi Nainggolan, a researcher from BRIN, emphasized that because the military possesses coercive power and weaponry, its authority must be strictly limited to prevent it from encroaching on civilian institutions. He specifically criticized the formation of territorial battalions and the expansion of territorial commands, stating these developments are inconsistent with TNI reform.

Constitutional law expert Muchamad Ali Safa’at noted that Indonesia's defense architecture is designed to separate defense functions from domestic security functions. He stated that while the TNI is mandated to face external threats to national sovereignty, domestic security and law enforcement should remain within the realm of civilian institutions. He added that military professionalism requires self-limitation and adherence to the constitutional division of functions.