With the recent polemic concerning the determination of the Head of the National Search and Rescue Agency as a suspect in a corruption case, there is an immediate necessity to evaluate active members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) who hold civilian positions outside their institutions.

This evaluation should be accompanied by improvements in the meritocracy system and accountability in their appointments.

Furthermore, there is a growing push for the issuance of regulations stating that TNI/Polri officers seeking public positions must take a temporary leave of absence or opt for early retirement.

Jokowi responds

President Joko Widodo himself expressed his aversion to any malpractices such as corruption within crucial institutions.

To address these concerns, comprehensive evaluations will be conducted, including the placement of active TNI officers in various civilian positions.

"We will evaluate everything, not just the issue of senior TNI officers holding civilian positions. The objective is to prevent any misconduct or corruption from occurring in these important places," the President stated during a press conference on July 31, 2023.

Responding to inquiries regarding the polemic after the Chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) was named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), President Jokowi attributed the problem to coordination issues.

"In my opinion, it's a matter of coordination, ensuring that all institutions operate within their designated authorities and regulations. Once that coordination is established, things will be resolved," he remarked.

Recently, the KPK designated five suspects in a corruption case related to procurement activities at Basarnas, involving three private individuals and two TNI officers. The two military personnel are Lieutenant Colonel Afri Budi Cahyanto, the Administrative Coordinator of Basarnas, and Air Marshal Madya Henri Alfiandi.

The KPK alleges that Henri, together with Afri, received a total of IDR 88.3 billion from various project vendors between 2021 and 2023. Due to their military status, the case was handed over to the TNI Military Police (Puspom TNI).

Public demands military officers to resign before taking on civil positions

Despite Jokowi's statement, the public responded differently. Despite being active TNI members, holding the position of Basarnas Chief is considered a public appointment. Both the TNI and Polri laws have regulations regarding positions outside their respective institutions.

According to Article 47, Paragraph (1) of the TNI Law, military personnel occupying civilian positions should have resigned or retired from military service.

Observer highlights the importance of focusing on public interest

Trubus Rahadiansyah, a public policy observer from Trisakti University, highlighted the importance of prioritizing public service regardless of whether it is carried out by TNI, Polri, or civil servants (ASN) in government ministries or other civilian agencies.

However, Trubus noted that the situation has become uncontrollable, with military personnel displacing civilian personnel who are rightfully eligible for such positions.

He believes that with proper management, elements of the TNI could serve well, particularly in overseeing managerial aspects.

This would ensure efficient public service delivery with no room for corruption or unethical practices. Nonetheless, there is a concern that some military personnel may adopt an authoritative approach, assuming the role of a boss rather than a public servant.