At a discussion on the TNI Bill with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) here on Monday, he explained that during the New Order era, the TNI, then known as ABRI (Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia), operated under a dual function system.
The dual function system allowed TNI members to have both national defense and sociopolitical roles.
However, he said that such a system no longer exists, especially since there is no longer a military faction within the DPR.
"I think we all know that it is no longer possible to go back to that, but that term needs to be used," he added.
He pointed out that the functions of the TNI can be understood well within the framework of the current law.
The TNI has roles related to both national defense and non-defense matters, he added.
He then expressed concern over a statement made by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who said that the TNI has shifted from a dual function to a "multifunction" role.
He said that the statement is related to the TNI's ongoing involvement in community and government affairs, such as disaster response, but emphasized that such activities should be viewed as duties rather than functions.
"It should not be too difficult to distinguish between the definitions and connotations of function, role, and duty as they are clearly outlined in the TNI law," Anggoro, who is serving as the executive director of the Center for Geopolitics Risk Assessment, said.
Related news: DPR denies military bill will restore dual function of armed forces
Related news: Jokowi orders careful review of TNI, Polri draft laws
Translator: Bagus, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
