Defence Ministry and TNI Headquarters Explain Troop Deployment in Street Robbery Crackdown

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The deployment of TNI soldiers in patrols to address street robberies has sparked debate. While the government believes TNI’s presence is necessary to bolster public safety, some analysts argue that street crime remains the domain of the police.

Chief of Defence Information Bureau (Karo Infohan) at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, stated that law enforcement remains the primary duty of the Indonesian National Police (Polri).

‘In the context of OMSP, TNI also has the responsibility to assist local governments and support Polri in accordance with applicable regulations, particularly when public security and order require strengthened state presence on the ground,’ Rico said during confirmation on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.

According to Rico, TNI involvement in the Jakarta Military Command (Kodam Jaya) area is directed towards joint patrols, territorial support, and enhancing preventive effects to ensure public safety.

He added that Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s directive to form Territorial Battalions is expected to help reduce criminal potential and maintain regional stability.

‘All implementations will prioritise professionalism, coordination with Polri, and a humanitarian approach in line with applicable regulations,’ he said.