CENTRA Initiative Indonesia, an NGO focusing on security sector reform and civil society advocacy, has asked President Prabowo Subianto and Minister of State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) Erick Thohir to reconsider the appointment of an Indonesian MIlitary (TNI) general as President Director of State Logistics Agency (Bulog).

Al Araf, Supervisory Board Chairman of CENTRA Initiative, said the appointment of Major General Novi Helmy Prasetya as Bulog chief violated the Indonesian law and undermines democratic principles.

The appointment was made on February 7, 2025 by Erick Thohir, who justified the decision as part of the efforts to revitalize the state-owned agency. However, CENTRA Initiative argues that this action further extends military authority into civilian affairs, posing a direct threat to democracy and reform.

“This appointment clearly violates the Indonesian Military Law (Law No. 34/2004), particularly Article 47(1), which stipulates that active military personnel can only hold civilian positions after resigning or retiring from active service,” Al Araf said on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

“This is a dangerous precedent that reflects a power-driven rather than a rule-of-law State,” he added.

Bulog is an Indonesian state-owned enterprise responsible for food logistics, particularly rice distribution and price stabilization. It plays a crucial role in ensuring national food security by managing government rice reserves, supporting farmers, and stabilizing market prices through procurement, storage and distribution. While its primary focus is rice, the agency also deals with other essential commodities such as sugar, flour, and corn.

Indonesian Military (TNI) Spokesman, Major General Hariyanto, said the appointment of Major General Novi Helmy was based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the TNI and the Ministry of SOEs, aimed at strengthening cooperation in strategic sectors to support national development and public welfare.

However, CENTRA Initiative emphasizes that such an agreement cannot override existing laws.

The presence of active military personnel in civilian positions has raised concerns about the return of the dual-function (Dwifungsi) role of the military, reminiscent of Indonesia’s authoritarian New Order era.

The practice, CENTRA Initiative warns, risks increasing militarization within civilian institutions, disrupting the professional career paths of civilian bureaucrats, and eroding military professionalism.

Under Article 47(2) of the Indonesian Military Law, active military personnel are only permitted to hold civilian roles related to national defense, such as positions within the Ministry of Defense, the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), or the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

Al Araf said the appointment of an active military officer to lead Bulog, a state-owned company outside these sectors, is therefore unlawful.

Military professionalism

CENTRA Initiative further argues that involving active military personnel in business and state-owned enterprises diverts the military’s focus from national defense.

“The military should be strengthening its specialty and competence to address modern warfare threats, and not running food distribution companies,” Al Araf said.

CENTRA Initiative raised concerns over the legal grey area regarding active military personnel engaged in civil service.

“Past cases, such as corruption allegations involving the Head of Basarnas, have highlighted conflicts of jurisdiction between civilian and military law enforcement,” Al Araf noted.

“Without clear legal frameworks ensuring that military officials holding civilian posts are accountable under civilian courts, such appointments could lead to further legal and governance challenges,” he added.

Policy evaluation

Besides asking the President and the SOEs Minister to reconsider the appointment, CENTRA Initiative also encourages the House of Representatives (DPR) to summon the Minister of SOEs for a thorough evaluation of the decision.

“Advancing Indonesia should not come at the cost of democratic principles and legal compliance,” Al Araf concluded.

CENTRA Initiative says that ensuring a professional, rule-based governance system is crucial for Indonesia’s continued democratic progress and stability.