A professional TNI that respects human rights will be the pride of the nation. In the digital era, the TNI\'s challenges include not only conventional warfare, but also cyber warfare.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
Kompas/Priyombodo
TNI Commander, Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.
The 76th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) falls on Tuesday, 5 October 2021, amid the prolonged pandemic.
For TNI commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, it is likely that this will be the last year he marks the TNI anniversary as its commander. In November, Hadi will enter retirement. It is therefore very natural that some people are starting to speculate who will replace Hadi Tjahjanto as TNI commander.
A number of parties have carried out various maneuvers to nominate the next TNI commander. Each has their own arguments and considerations. However, the excessive maneuvering by a number of politicians can actually disrupt the unity within the TNI and create room for politicization of the TNI.
A “too political” situation is not good for the military’s development. Since the 1998 reform movement, when the TNI withdrew from practical politics, with no representation in state institutions and no right to vote, the TNI had the greatest success in reforming itself. The public has the highest positive image of the TNI compared to other institutions: It is the most trusted institution among the public.
The TNI’s good public perception must be maintained. It is safeguarded by the public, politicians and retired military officers. Retired military officers must still be able to uphold the dignity of the TNI and refrain from making statements that could disrupt the unity of the TNI. Any statements can be conveyed at forums for strengthening solidarity and vigilance within the military.
Kompas/Heru Sri Kumoro
The Anoa tactical vehicle and other tactical vehicles belonging to the TNI are displayed on Jalan Medan Merdeka Barat, Jakarta, Monday (4/10/2021). A total of 112 main weapons system tools (Alutsista) were exhibited to the public as a series of commemoration of the 76th Anniversary of the TNI which fell on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
Theoretically, the three chiefs of staff have equal opportunity to become the TNI commander. Let President Joko Widodo nominate his choice to the House of Representatives (DPR). The President must consider the approaching deadline and the fact that the DPR is now in recess in relation to when he will nominate a replacement for outgoing TNI commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi.
The pandemic is not over yet. We still have work to do in the vaccination rollout. Aside from working with other elements in society, collaboration between the TNI and National Police (Polri) with a clear chain of command will help accelerate vaccination. TNI-Polri cohesiveness, as symbolized by the joint presence of the TNI commander and National Police chief, is positive. The latest survey by Indikator Politik Indonesia showed that the majority of the public viewed the TNI-Polri collaboration as solid in maintaining security during the pandemic.
The attitude of the TNI, which has been upright in carrying out state policies, must always be maintained. Friction at the lower levels must be anticipated to avoid frequent contact between members of the TNI and the police. The government needs to consider budgetary policies to guarantee TNI-Polri solidarity.
In an era that is completely uncertain, a professional TNI with modern weaponry and systems and soldiers’ welfare needs attention. A professional TNI that respects human rights will be the pride of the nation. In the digital era, the TNI\'s challenges include not only conventional warfare, but also cyber warfare.
