Indonesia’s parliament has approved Gen. Agus Subiyanto as the new military chief, despite concerns from civil society groups that the departing president is attempting to retain power by enscancing loyalists in top positions. The military has a long history of dictatorships in Indonesia, and some observers and human rights advocates worry about the neutrality of the armed forces during the February 2024 general election.
Agus was nominated for the top military post six days after Jokowi appointed him as the army chief, and some argue that his interim job was intended to fulfill a requirement for the top post. The military will succeed Adm. Yudo Margono, who is expected to retire on November 26. Jokowi, who has led Indonesia’s government since October 2014, is due to leave office next October due to constitutional term limits in Indonesia. The House of Representatives has given approval for the replacement of the TNI commander, Gen. Agus Subiyanto.
The Indonesian Defense Commission (DPR) has approved the formation of a dedicated working committee on military neutrality, highlighting the importance of politically impartial armed forces during the transition to the next government in Southeast Asia. The TNI aims to maintain neutrality in accordance with its fundamental role and conduct a peaceful, honest, and fair election. MPs, particularly those from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), have advocated for a working committee to monitor police and military neutrality.
Agus, the military’s commander, has pledged to strengthen collaboration with police to maintain security during the election period. He outlined his vision for the military, encapsulated in the acronym “PRIMA” (Professional, Responsive, Integrative, Modern and Adaptive), which relies on comprehensive training, a merit-based coaching system, technologically advanced weaponry, and an enhancement of soldiers’ welfare. Military spokesman Rear Adm. Julius Widjojono reassured the public that the TNI will steadfastly uphold its impartiality, stating that the TNI has official regulations in place to ensure neutrality and will take decisive action against soldiers involved in practical politics.
The Indonesian presidential election is set to take place from November 28 to February 10, 2024, with polls opening four days later. The military will face a significant challenge in maintaining security, as President Jokowi’s son, his eldest son, is running mate of presidential contender Prabowo Subianto, a former general with the Indonesian army’s special forces who has been accused of human rights abuses. Agus, who has ties to Jokowi dating back to his term as mayor of Surakarta city, faces challenges in maintaining neutrality.
Analyst Ray Rangkuti from election watchdog Lingkar Madani emphasized the importance of neutrality, stating that Agus must remain calm while not taking actions that prioritize certain candidates. Ghufron Mabruri, director of human rights group Imparsial, questioned whether this close relationship will affect the TNI’s neutrality and urged Agus to address these concerns and demonstrate his independence before the vote. He urged Agus to not just respond by attacking people back by asking where the evidence is.
