April 21, 2025 | 12:41 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Civil Society Coalition condemns the Indonesian military's (TNI) entry into campuses. The presence of army personnel in several universities is considered as surveillance of academic activities.
"The intimidating actions carried out by TNI members not only threaten democracy, but also contradict the Constitution and the TNI Law," said the civil coalition in a statement received by Tempo from Al Araf, the Coordinator of Centra Initiative on Sunday night, April 20, 2025.
In addition to Centra Initiative, the group expressing this stance also includes Imparsial, the Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI), Elsam, De Jure, Human Rights Working Group, and Walhi.
According to the coalition, the military's entry into campuses potentially strengthens the suspicion of TNI's dual function in civilian life. The Civil Coalition reminds the House of Representatives and the Government that the military has the duty and function of defense, and does not have the authority to supervise and interfere in academic affairs.
The Civil Coalition urges the parliament to seriously pay attention to the Government and the TNI Commander to refrain from taking actions that potentially violate constitutional principles and the TNI Law, especially after the Revision of the TNI Law was passed.
The Vice Chair of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, has not responded to Tempo's message about public unrest. The message sent via Whatsapp to the defense committee member has not been replied to.
Military personnel entered the campus during the national student consolidation activities at the University of Indonesia (UI) on April 16, 2025 and during student activities at UIN Walisongo, Semarang, on April 14, 2025. The TNI has been heavily criticized by the public in a case of collaboration with Udayana University.
The Head of the Army Information Service Brigadier General Wahyu Yudhayana responded to a number of incidents of military presence on campus. According to him, the arrival of military personnel, especially from the army, is due to invitations or legitimate cooperation agreements.
According to Wahyu, the invitations usually consist of educational material provided by the TNI to the academic community on campus. He believes that there is no militarization effort in the military activities on campus.
"The presence of the Army on campus has been based on legitimate cooperation, is educational in nature, and is carried out upon invitation or coordination with the campus," said Wahyu in his written statement on Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Novali Panji contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesian Army Claims Presence on Campuses is Not Militarization Effort
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Army Claims Presence on Campuses is Not Militarization Effort
4 jam lalu
The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) responded to a number of incidents involving the presence of soldiers in campuses.
Trump Signals End to US Military Aid for Ukraine, NYT Reports
1 hari lalu
The U.S. President Donald Trump's administration does not seem to be planning to provide a new package of military aid to Ukraine.
Exploring the Largest Air Force Bases Across Asia
1 hari lalu
Exploring the significance of air force military bases in the Asian region.
Power Struggle: Overseas Military Bases of U.S., China, and Russia in Asian Region
1 hari lalu
The United States has the widest network of military bases in the Asian region as part of its "forward deployment" strategy.
Papua: Rights Activist Challenges OPM Allegation of Military Posing as Gold Miners
3 hari lalu
TPNPB-OPM alleged that the gold miners were Indonesian military agents disguised as civilians in Papua.
Indonesia Denies Russia's Request to Open Military Base in Papua
3 hari lalu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia stated that the government has not granted permission to any foreign country, including Russia, to open a military base in Papua.
Prabowo Said to Have Signed TNI Law Revision Days Before Eid
3 hari lalu
President Prabowo has signed the revised TNI Law which had been previously ratified by the DPR. According to the State Secretary, the President signed it at the end of March.
Indonesia and Malaysia Discuss Strategic Defense Cooperation
4 hari lalu
A meeting between the Indonesian Defense Minister and the Malaysian Army Chief covered a number of strategic issues.
Defense Ministry Denies Russia's Planned Air Base in Indonesia
5 hari lalu
The Defense Ministry denies Russia's plan to use military bases in Indonesian territory, as reported by the Australian media.
TNI Refutes TPNPB-OPM's Allegation of Using Children in Espionage
5 hari lalu
TNI denies that the allegations are baseless and are propaganda by TPNPB-OPM to garner public sympathy.
