Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel – Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) is facing scrutiny after holding closed-door discussions on revisions to the military law (UU TNI) at the luxury Fairmont Jakarta hotel. Secretary-General of the DPR, Indra Iskandar, defended the decision, stating that it complied with parliamentary rules.
According to Indra, Article 254 of the DPR’s procedural regulations permits discussions on strategic bills outside the parliamentary complex with approval from House leadership.
“The regulations allow for high-priority meetings to be held outside the DPR building, provided they have leadership approval. This has been done in accordance with the rules,” Indra told CNN on Sunday, March 16, 2025.
He further explained that the selection of the Fairmont Jakarta was not a last-minute decision. The DPR’s secretariat considered five or six hotels before settling on the Fairmont, prioritizing locations that offer government rates to ensure compliance with the 2025 parliamentary budget standards.
Indra justified the choice, citing the need for proper rest facilities for lawmakers involved in the marathon discussions, which could extend late into the night.
Public Controversy Over Indonesia Military Law Revisions
The DPR and the government are currently reviewing 92 proposed amendments to the military law, with discussions taking place at the Fairmont since March 14, 2025. Key issues include increasing the retirement age for military personnel and expanding the placement of active-duty officers in civilian ministries and agencies.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin outlined three primary focus areas in the proposed revisions: modernizing Indonesia’s defense industry, defining the military’s role in non-combat tasks, and improving the welfare of service members.
Meanwhile, Utut Adianto, chairman of the DPR’s Commission I, highlighted Article 47 of Law No. 34/2004, which governs the scope of military assignments. Lawmakers are re-evaluating which ministries and agencies can be staffed by active-duty military personnel.
The Working Committee (Panja) for the military law revisions was formed on March 11, 2025, following an agreement between the DPR’s Commission I and the government. The discussions were initially held at the parliamentary complex before moving to the Fairmont.
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Concerns Over Military Oversight and Civilian Control
Civil society groups have raised concerns over certain provisions in the proposed amendments, warning they could undermine military professionalism and democratic oversight. Al Araf, a researcher at the human rights watchdog Imparsial, criticized the bill for potentially reversing military reforms achieved since Indonesia’s democratic transition in the late 1990s.
DPR member Desy Ratnasari stressed the importance of incorporating a “human security” perspective into the bill, warning against the risks of divided loyalties among military officers serving in civilian roles.
The revisions aim to strengthen Indonesia’s defense capabilities while maintaining military professionalism and ensuring adequate protections for service members. However, the closed-door nature of the discussions and the choice of a luxury hotel for deliberations have sparked public backlash, raising questions about transparency and the use of government funds.
As Indonesia navigates its evolving defense challenges, the outcome of these legislative changes will shape the future role of the military in the country’s governance.
(Becky)
