Former general states TNI only now joining manhunt for muggers: 'That's the police's job'

Jakarta, Kompas.com – retiredMajor General Tubagus Hasanudd stated that the TNI’s serious involvement in the current manhunt for muggers is unprecedented.

‘This may be the first time,’ Hasanudd told Kompas.com on Thursday (28 May 2026).

As a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission I from the PDI-Perju faction, he said that eradicating muggers is the police’s primary duties, not the military’s.

‘In my view, tackling muggers is the police’s responsibility. If the TNI is involved, it must be at the police’s request,’ he said.

‘Correct (Polri must request it), it must be a request and coordination,’ added the former aide to Indonesia’s third president, BJ Habibie.

On one hand, the government believes TNI’s presence is necessary to strengthen public safety.

However, some analysts argue that street crime remains the police’s domain.

Defence Ministry’s Bureau of Defence Information Chief Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait stated that law enforcement remains Polri’s primary responsibility.

However, in the context Operations Other ThanWar (OMSP), the TNI can support local governments and Polri when security situations require enhanced state presence on the ground.

‘Under OMSP, the TNI is also tasked with supporting local governments and Polri in accordance with regulations, especially when public safety and order require reinforced state presence on the ground,’ Rico said when questioned by reporters on Tuesday (26 May 2026).

According to Rico, TNI’s involvement in the Jakarta military command area (Kodam Jaya) is focused on joint patrols, territorial support, and enhanced preventive measures to assure public safety.

He added that Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s directive to establish territorial battalions is expected to help curb criminal potential and maintain regional stability.