February 14, 2025 | 10:47 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General Maruli Simanjuntak has denied claims that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) are exercising a dual function (dwifungsi) within President Prabowo Subianto's administration. He emphasized that the concept of TNI's dual function was a feature of Soeharto's era and no longer applies today.
"The idea of dwifungsi is long gone. Back then, the military could even hold regional leadership positions. But now, with direct democratic elections, where does dwifungsi even fit?" Maruli said at the Parliament Complex in Central Jakarta on Thursday, February 13.
He reiterated that there is no military dual function in Prabowo's administration, stating that the TNI's role today is to support government programs rather than exert political influence. "We’re not even thinking about that. Our focus is on ensuring things run smoothly," he added.
With regard to the fact that there are military personnel serving in civilian institutions, Maruli asserted that all appointments go through official procedures. "When it comes to government positions, candidates are selected based on merit. There’s a formal process. If they qualify, they get appointed," he explained.
One appointment that has recently come under scrutiny is that of Major General Novi Helmy Prasetya, who was named President Director of Perum Bulog, Indonesia's state-owned logistics agency. Maruli defended the appointment, which he said had gone through many considerations, citing Novi's extensive experience in agriculture.
Maruli emphasized that Novi has been working in agriculture for years, noting that managing Bulog involves overseeing rice stockpiling and other logistics. He further noted that Novi had been deeply involved in the agricultural sector since serving as Territorial Assistant (Aster), where he worked closely with farmers across Indonesia.
"He’s traveled across the country, collaborated with the agricultural sector, and ensured that farmers' produce is absorbed by Bulog. His appointment wasn’t without proper considerations," Maruli asserted.
Additionally, Maruli clarified that Novi Helmy Prasetya has officially resigned from active military service following his appointment at Bulog. "He left the military. Once he was appointed, he left the TNI. He’s no longer on active duty," he said.
He emphasized that Novi's appointment does not violate Law No. 34/2004 on the TNI, as he had already been discharged from active service by the time he assumed the Bulog presidency.
However, Maruli did not provide specific details on when Novi Helmy was officially discharged from the military. "Once he’s at Bulog, that's it. His military service is over," he concluded.
Editor’s Choice: Imparsial: Appointing Active Soldiers for Civil Posts Breaches TNI Law
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