Civil Coalition Concerned Military Involvement in Counter-Terrorism Could Shift to Militaristic Approach
JAKARTA – A civil society coalition from Raksha Initiative has expressed concern that plans to involve the Indonesian National Military (TNI) in counter-terrorism operations risk changing the legal approach that has been used thus far into a militaristic one.
Wahyudi Djafar, Policy Director at Raksha Initiative, explained that Indonesia’s counter-terrorism approach has been agreed upon using the criminal justice system, which operates through legal processes carried out by law enforcement officials.
“If there is TNI involvement, there is concern that approach (criminal justice) will disappear because the military uses a warfare approach,” Wahyudi said in a press statement, quoted on Sunday (1 March 2026).
He assessed that without clear formulation, the policy could potentially impact human rights protection (HAM).
“Particularly legal and constitutional problems, which could seriously impact the restoration of human rights if this is not properly discussed and debated,” he said.
Wahyudi emphasised that in principle, TNI can be involved in counter-terrorism, but only under limited and specific conditions.
For example, if terrorist acts occur on Indonesian vessels abroad, on aircraft, or in situations involving control of certain territories that require military operations.
However, in the draft presidential regulation (perpres) circulating publicly, TNI is said to be involved in all stages of counter-terrorism, ranging from prevention, deterrence, enforcement, to recovery.
According to him, this provision could potentially conflict with legal and constitutional principles and seriously impact human rights protection if not regulated strictly.
Prasetyo said various aspects will be considered in the process, including the primary duties and functions of each institution.
“(The military’s role in counter-terrorism) is being discussed. That is precisely where everything is being examined, what becomes the primary duty, and then the scale is also considered,” Prasetyo said at the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Monday (9 February 2026).
He assessed that discussion was necessary because terrorism dynamics continue to evolve and present new challenges to the state.
“Indeed, whether we like it or not, we recognise that everything develops, including in the world of terrorism it also develops. That is where rules and handling measures are needed that can anticipate that,” he said.
Prasetyo also emphasised that the document circulating publicly is not a Presidential Regulation (Perpres), but a Presidential Letter (Surpres) that serves as the basis for further discussion.