September 17, 2025 | 11:54 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Civil Society Coalition slams Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's backing for the deployment of military personnel to safeguard the House of Representatives (DPR) complex.
The group rejects the deployment of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) troops in various security operations. "Stop all forms of TNI involvement in matters of security and public order," the Coalition said in a written statement on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The coalition includes Imparsial, Centra Initiative, Raksha Initiatives, Human Rights Working Group (HRWG), Indonesian Women's Coalition (KPI), DEJURE, Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (PBHI), Setara Institute, LBH Apik, Indonesian Forum for the Environment (WALHI).
The civil coalition asserts that the government must prioritize the TNI reform agenda to optimize defense roles. The reform encompasses military judicial reform, territorial command restructuring, and the eradication of the culture of violence against civil society.
The DPR Complex remains guarded by military personnel following the escalation of protests last month, with some calling for the dissolution of parliament. Meanwhile, soldiers are seen on guard duty near the parliament building until mid-September.
Several TNI tactical vehicles are still parked in the Parliament building's yard despite the absence of demonstrations. Soldiers often utilize the Parliament's facilities for their daily needs, such as bathing and washing in the building's toilets. The TNI personnel have also erected tents in the DPR yard.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the state defense institution will keep guard until the condition becomes more "conducive."
Minister Sjafrie said on Tuesday, September 16, that the decision was taken after talks with TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and three chiefs of staff.
Sjafrie said that soldiers are not only stationed to guard the DPR complex, but also other government installations that require military attention. "So people can work safely and comfortably," said the interim Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs.
Novali Pandji contributes to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Jakarta Police Probe All Lokataru Foundation Staff, Including Security Guard
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Inside Today's Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers' Protest: Key Demands and Routes
2 jam lalu
The Online Motorcycle Taxi Association, Garda Indonesia, will hold a protest today demanding seven demands.
Today's Top 3 News: Seven Workers Still Trapped in Freeport Indonesia Mine Landslide
17 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Soldiers to Guard DPR Complex Until Situation is "Conducive," Says Defense Minister
22 jam lalu
The minister of defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, stated that the military deployment in the guarding duty is not only carried out at the DPR building.
Spain Cancels Multi-Million Dollar Arms Deal with Israel
22 jam lalu
Spain has canceled a multi-million dollar arms sales contract with Israel amid allegations of genocide in Gaza.
TNI to Deploy 100,000 Personnel in Monas to Celebrate 80th Anniversary
1 hari lalu
A total of 100,000 personnel will be involved in the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at Monas, Central Jakarta, on October 5, 2025.
Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Set to Protest at DPR Tomorrow; Here Are Their Demands
1 hari lalu
Online motorcycle taxi drivers will go on protest alongside students and civil society at the House of Representatives (DPR) building tomorrow.
Protesters Reject Indonesia's Police Reform, Push for "Restoration" Instead
1 hari lalu
The rally's coordinator said public discourse on police reform has been exaggerated and argued the term "reform" carries a misleading connotation.
Indonesia's Rights Minister Proposes Parliament Courtyard as Protest Venue
1 hari lalu
The provision of a protest area in the House of Representatives courtyard aims to reduce traffic congestion and bring the people closer to parliament.
Why BPJS Kesehatan is Planning to Raise Health Insurance Rates
2 hari lalu
Indonesian Finance Minister reveals the reasons behind the planned increase in BPJS Kesehatan health Insurance rates. Here are the details.
Human Rights Minister Proposes Designated Protest Zone at Parliament
2 hari lalu
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai believes that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and that the govt' must be receptive to their voices.
