THE plan to remove the ban on TNI soldiers from doing business has drawn criticism. Military observer and Head of the Indonesia 2045 Laboratory (Lab45) Jaleswari Pramodhawardani emphasized that the revision of the TNI Law must be considered carefully. This is because the removal of the ban on soldiers from doing business is considered to be able to disrupt the professionalism of the TNI and create a conflict of interest.
“The involvement of soldiers in business activities can create conflicts of interest, reduce focus on core military duties and damage the professional image of the TNI as a whole,” Jaleswari explained in a statement, quoted Sunday (14/7).
Dani, Jaleswari’s nickname, added that in democratic countries that have professional armies, they usually implement a ban on soldiers from engaging in business. The goal is to maintain the independence, neutrality, and integrity, professionalism of the military institution.
“The professionalism of TNI soldiers must be strictly maintained without any interference that might disrupt their military duties and responsibilities,” said Dani.
Therefore, according to him, the welfare of soldiers should be guaranteed through transparent and fair mechanisms outside of business activities that can give rise to conflicts of interest.
He assessed that the implementation of Article 39 of the TNI Law, which prohibits the TNI from carrying out business activities, had been carefully considered by the previous law makers.
Also read: Rejection of TNI Law Revision Considered Reasonable
“I can’t imagine how previous (former) TNI commanders such as Admiral Widodo, Djoko Suyanto, Mr. Moeldoko, Mr. Gatot Nurmantyo would react to a proposal like this,” Dani explained.
According to Dani, the role of the DPR is very important in ensuring that TNI soldiers maintain professionalism without being involved in business activities.
“The DPR has the authority to oversee the implementation related to the TNI including enforcing the standards of professionalism and ethics of soldiers. The professionalism of the TNI is reflected in how the law being discussed by the DPR will be treated,” he concluded.
As reported, the DPR has approved the revision of the TNI Law as a parliamentary initiative. This was determined in a plenary meeting of the DPR RI, late May 2024. However, the discourse on the revision of the TNI Law including the points of change has drawn criticism from civil society. (Z-8)
#TNI #Manages #Business #Vulnerable #Conflict #Interest
