Analyst: Change of Kabais Leadership Proves TNI Does Not Discriminate in Administering Sanctions

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political and military analyst from Universitas Nasional (Unas), Selamat Ginting, assesses that the replacement of the head of the strategic intelligence agency (Kabais) proves that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) does not discriminate against members who violate the law. The replacement was carried out due to the involvement of Bais members in the acid-spraying incident against KontraS activist Andrie Yunus. “The TNI is attempting to send a message that the institution does not tolerate violations, even if they involve strategic units,” Selamat stated when confirmed by ANTARA in Jakarta on Friday. According to Selamat, the acid-spraying case carries strong emotional resonance in society. The wave of public reaction has prompted the government, in this case President Prabowo Subianto, to respond and instruct TNI headquarters to thoroughly investigate the case. The president’s direct directive is certain to encourage the TNI to work more seriously in uncovering the violence case. On the other hand, doubts have arisen among the public regarding the openness of the TNI’s investigation process, given that military legal enforcement procedures have specific mechanisms different from civilian courts. For this reason, Selamat believes the TNI must also operate transparently to uphold justice in the ongoing legal process. “If not handled quickly and transparently, this case has the potential to develop into a crisis of trust in the TNI,” Selamat explained. He continued that the step of replacing the Kabais head is also seen as a measure to prevent narratives suggesting the TNI appears to protect its members from legal consequences. “This step can also be viewed as a preemptive effort to prevent politicisation. In a democratic climate, every case involving armed apparatus always has the potential to be drawn into the political arena,” Selamat said. He hopes the investigation of the case does not stop merely at the Kabais replacement but continues until the masterminds behind the attack on Andrie Yunus are proven.