Defence Minister: Dayak Tribe Given Privilege for Physical Requirements to Join TNI
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has said that certain privileges or special dispensations will be granted to members of the interior Dayak tribe who wish to become TNI soldiers.
The statement was made by Sjafrie when asked about his meeting with President Prabowo Subianto on Saturday (29/8). One of the topics discussed at the meeting was the requirements for interior Dayak people to join the TNI.
“Oh yes, the interior Dayak tribe has been asked to be given the opportunity to join the TNI; those who are short will be given a little privilege,” said Sjafrie at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Monday (31/8).
Separately, Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak said that Dayak people are in principle already permitted to take part in TNI recruitment.
This includes those who have tattoos as part of their tradition.
“Indeed, it has been allowed for a long time; there is no problem with that. It was previously decided that if someone has tattoos because of tradition, they are permitted,” said Maruli.
Nevertheless, Maruli said that so far no Dayak people with characteristics such as tattoos have registered to join the TNI.
“Not all Dayak people have tattoos, so actually there is no problem. We do not yet know who is interested; we will look for them later. We will make sure, because we are also pleased if there are representatives from all regions of Indonesia, especially now that we are increasing personnel. If there can be more, that is better,” he said.
President Prabowo Subianto previously received the Great Leader of the Red Army of Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR) Panglima Jilah at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Friday (28/8).
Based on a post on the official Instagram account of the Cabinet Secretariat, Prabowo was said to have directly instructed several matters related to Panglima Jilah’s wishes.
One of these was the desire of Dayak people to become members of the TNI-Polri, with the requirements adjusted, for example regarding the use of tattoos for indigenous tribes.
The following day, on Saturday (29/8), Prabowo summoned the TNI Commander, the chiefs of staff of the armed forces and a number of ministers to his residence in Hambalang.
At the meeting, Prabowo requested updates on several matters, one of which related to the recruitment requirements for interior Dayak people who wish to become TNI soldiers.
“At the meeting, the President requested updates on several matters, including the adjustment of requirements related to the recruitment of interior Dayak people who wish to become TNI soldiers, the handling of several disasters including the aftermath of the earthquake in Flores, the eruption of Mount Merapi, and the handling of forest and land fires in Indonesia, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra,” read a statement from the Cabinet Secretary, quoted from the Cabinet Secretary’s Instagram account.