DPR Member Questions TNI Alert Status 1: Public Growing More Anxious
A DPR Commission I member, TB Hasanuddin, has criticised TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto for issuing a telegram to military ranks ordering alert status level 1 to anticipate the development of domestic circumstances due to the impact of the Middle East conflict. TB Hasanuddin questioned why the telegram was circulated publicly when it should have remained within TNI’s internal purview.
“The problem is this. An alert involves two matters. First, it is purely an internal TNI affair. Second, it is confidential,” TB Hasanuddin told journalists on Monday, 9 March 2026.
TB Hasanuddin stated that the alert status communicated to the public only generates public anxiety. The retired major general assessed that alert readiness should remain within the TNI to ensure preparedness for all contingencies.
“Actually, whatever the reason for the alert—whether it’s in anticipation of disaster, for example a flood—there’s no issue. But if it’s because there might be war and this is announced, there’s no use. What’s the point in the public needing to know?” he asked.
The PDIP legislator argued that publicising alert status 1 only increases public concern. TB Hasanuddin stated that the public became worried due to the circulation of the TNI telegram.
“Only the TNI soldiers should know so they can prepare themselves. The public just becomes more anxious. This will only create public worry,” he added.
The former senior military officer assessed that alert status implementation is a normal matter for troop command and control. TB Hasanuddin believed TNI’s alert status could fall within disaster management scope.
“Alert status is a command and control mechanism to prepare TNI soldiers for specific tasks. This is routine in the TNI. There’s no need to think too much about it,” TB Hasanuddin said.
“When the TNI Commander declares alert status 1, so be it. It’s not just about war—sometimes it’s for disasters. For instance, in Sumatra, TNI units in several regional military commands were placed on alert status 1,” he added.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto had previously issued a telegram to military ranks ordering alert status level 1 to anticipate developments in the domestic situation due to the impact of the Middle East regional conflict. The TNI stated this step was taken in accordance with the TNI’s principal duties.
The order is contained in TNI Commander Telegram No. TR/283/2026, signed by the TNI Commander’s Operations Assistant Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026.
TNI Public Information Head Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah explained that implementing alert status level 1 is a TNI duty mandated by TNI Law. He stated that the protection in question concerns threats to the nation and state.
“One of the TNI’s principal duties is to protect the entire nation and all Indonesian territory from threats and disturbances to the integrity of the Nation and State,” said Brigadier General Aulia when contacted on Sunday, 8 March.