DPR Member Criticises TNI's Level 1 Alert Status Over Middle East Conflict, Says It Creates Public Unrest

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto issued a classified telegram directive to military units implementing Level 1 alert status in anticipation of escalating Middle East conflict dynamics. The directive, formalised in TNI Commander Telegram No. TR/283/2026 and signed by the Assistant for Operations Letjen Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026, prompted scrutiny from DPR Commission I member TB Hasanuddin, who questioned the public circulation of the classified order.

Hasanuddin, a retired major general, told reporters that alert status constitutes purely internal TNI matters of a confidential nature. He argued that publicising Level 1 alert status serves no operational purpose and merely triggers public anxiety. “Whether the alert concerns disaster preparation or war preparation, there is no benefit to public disclosure. Why should the public need to know?” Hasanuddin questioned.

The legislator from the PDIP party emphasised that alert status designation is standard military command and control procedure for preparing personnel for specific duties. He noted that Level 1 alerts are routinely issued across TNI commands for various scenarios, including disaster response operations. Hasanuddin stressed that alert status should remain confined to military personnel to avoid generating unnecessary public concern and anxiety.

“The setting of alert status is a command and control mechanism for preparing TNI personnel for specific tasks. This is routine practice in the TNI. When the TNI Commander declares Level 1 alert, that is the extent of what needs to be known. Not only for war—sometimes for disasters. For instance, TNI commands across Sumatra have been placed on Level 1 alert for disaster response,” Hasanuddin explained.

TNI Defence Spokesperson Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah defended the alert implementation, stating that the Level 1 alert status falls within TNI mandate as established by TNI law. He clarified that the protective measure aims to address threats to national integrity and sovereignty. “One of TNI’s principal duties is protecting the entire nation and all Indonesian territory from threats and disturbances to national and state integrity,” Aulia stated.