The DPR promptly delivered its approval letter for the new TNI commander's appointment to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
Earlier, the House had heard General Perkasa's vision and mission during his fit and proper test.
Describing his "TNI is Us" vision, Perkasa told the House he wanted the Indonesian and international community to see TNI as a part of themselves.
He expressed the hope that Indonesian would see TNI as it is, while the institution strives to fix its own flaws.
He said he believes that even with existing restrictions in place, he would be able to achieve what he wanted to do.
There are three missions that Perkasa has set for himself: asserting the nation's sovereignty, preserving the nation's unity based on Pancasila and the Constitution, and protecting every single Indonesian citizen.
To realize his vision and missions, the general outlined eight aspects that will be his focus as TNI commander.
These aspects include strengthening TNI's duty execution based on the law; bolstering security operations at land, sea, and air borders; and improving TNI's readiness for both war and non-war military operations.
He said he would also improve cyber operations; strengthen intelligence synergy, especially in conflict areas; fortify integrated tri-dimensional interoperability within TNI's operation pattern; and enhance the integration of organization management to realize an adaptive TNI.
General Perkasa said his final focus is reactualizing the role of military diplomacy within the framework of foreign policy.
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Expectations
DPR Speaker Puan Maharani said she believes that General Perkasa will work as best as he can even though he will only hold the post for one year.
This short period of time will be a challenge for the general to realize his program of transforming TNI into a strong and powerful defense force before he retires, she noted.
With General Perkasa's vision, it is expected that TNI will become closer to the people, will always be on the frontline of the nation's security, and be more involved in COVID-19 handling, she opined.
The DPR Speaker also said she believes that General Perkasa can turn TNI into an organization with greater solidarity, both at the internal level and with other institutions, such as the police.
Meanwhile, chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), said he expects that General Perkasa would continue the work program of his predecessor.
He also expressed the wish that General Perkasa will remain committed to realizing the vision, mission, and targets that he outlined during the test.
All of these achievements could fortify and preserve Indonesia's unity that is based on the Pancasila and the Constitution, and protect every Indonesian from any threat, including ideological ones, he remarked.
Bamsoet also urged the new TNI commander to resolve the security conflict in Papua by adopting a humane strategy and approach to ensure the safety of civilians within the province.
Meanwhile, Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Speaker A. A. LaNyalla Mahmud Mattalitti said he expects General Perkasa to turn TNI into a more professional organization that is more connected to the people.
The new TNI commander should ensure that the organization's core duty is carried out well, namely asserting sovereignty, preserving the nation's unity, and protecting the nation from various threats, he added.
What is most important is that the TNI should be capable of monitoring geopolitical developments that are affected by technology, he said.
Challenges
Military observer Ridlwan Habib highlighted three challenges that General Perkasa will face as TNI commander.
The first challenge will be in assisting the government in COVID-19 handling. TNI is in the frontline, helping the government distribute vaccines, and deliver aid to remote islands, he noted.
The second challenge will be internal reformation within the TNI, including the issue surrounding soldiers' prosperity, he said.
While serving as the Army Chief of Staff, General Perkasa, was very compassionate to soldiers, as evidenced by his building a service house for them in Batallion 403/WP Yogyakarta, he elaborated. The dilapidated building was rebuilt into a much nicer house, he said.
General Perkasa also looked out for sick members. He once flew home his subordinate in the Magelang Military District Command (Kodim), Sergeant Mugiyanto, who had injured his leg on duty, Habib recalled.
Mugiyanto was flown directly to Jakarta to be treated at a hospital and was personally monitored by Hetty Andika Perkasa, the wife of General Perkasa.
Habib said he expects that the compassion that General Perkasa brought to the army would be extended to the navy and the air force.
The third challenge lies in how General Perkasa leads TNI amidst globalization, he said.
There are several geopolitical issues, such as the trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States (AUKUS); the South China Sea dispute; and the conflict between the US and China, that the new commander will need to be prepared to face, Habib said.
General Perkasa once served in the Kopassus (Special Forces Command), which means that he has experience working in intelligence, he noted.
In addition, he has also served as head of the Army's Public Relations Department, Commander of the Presidential Security Force, commander of a military regional command, and Commander of the Army Strategic Reserves Command.
The general has also excelled when it comes to knowledge: he once studied at the Military College of Vermont, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont, United States.
He also furthered his education at the National War College, National Defense University, Washington D.C., United States, and the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration, the George Washington University, Washington D.C., United States.
Habib said he believes that given the various positions that he has occupied as well as his educational background, General Perkasa would be able to face current geopolitical challenges.
While his term will be relatively short at just one year, General Perkasa is expected to carry out his vision and mission well and tackle challenges that he faces when he becomes TNI commander, he added.
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Translator: Benardy F, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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