Handover of TNI Kabais Position Should Serve as Example for Other Institutions

The step taken by Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abrimantyo to hand over his position as Head of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (Kabais) of the TNI following the acid-throwing incident against Kontras activist Andrie Yunus has come under the spotlight. This action is regarded as an important precedent for other institutions in upholding leadership responsibility.

Executive Director of the Indonesia Public Institute, Karyono Wibowo, praised the move as a bold practice of leadership that is relevant to be emulated.

“The handover of the TNI Kabais position by Lieutenant General TNI Yudi Abrimantyo is a form of responsibility. Whatever the term, whether handover or resignation, in my view, this is a firm, positive step that must be appreciated,” said Karyono on Wednesday (25/3).

According to him, this attitude shows that leaders do not wash their hands of issues that have become the focus of public attention, even if the violation was committed by rogue elements.

“This issue has become a public concern. The TNI Kabais feels jointly responsible for the actions of its rogue members. This is important as a lesson,” he said.

Karyono emphasised that this step should become a new standard for other institutions in handling similar cases, especially those involving security apparatus.

“This is something that rarely happens. This handover can serve as an example for other institutions to act similarly, especially in cases that attract public attention, such as the protection of online motorcycle taxis or the shooting of innocent civilians leading to fatalities, the Kanjuruhan tragedy which the public feels has not yet seen accountability,” said Karyono.

He assessed that if this pattern is applied widely, it will strengthen public trust in state institutions while creating a deterrent effect.

“Steps like this can create a deterrent effect and increase public trust. In this way, incidents like acid throwing or arbitrary actions by security personnel will not recur,” he continued.

In addition, Karyono sees efforts by the TNI to continue improving and adapting to democratic values and respect for human rights.

“I see positive efforts from the TNI to change and adapt to the democratic climate, while prioritising human rights. This is an important point,” he said.

Nevertheless, he reminded that the handover must be followed by firm law enforcement against the perpetrators.

“But of course, the handover is not enough. The perpetrators must still be processed according to the applicable law in the military realm,” he said.

Previously, the TNI officially carried out the handover of the Kabais position as a form of institutional accountability for the case.

Head of the TNI Information Centre (Kapuspen) TNI, Major General TNI Aulia Dwi Nasrullah, stated that this step is part of the TNI’s commitment to maintaining accountability.

“So we need to convey here, as a form of accountability, today the handover of the Kabais position has been carried out. Thank you,” said Aulia at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Wednesday (25/3).

Aulia also conveyed that the TNI together with the Ministry of Defence has held a meeting regarding internal revitalisation, in accordance with instructions from Prabowo Subianto.

In the meeting, it was emphasised that the TNI will not tolerate legal violations by soldiers.

“Regarding TNI soldiers who commit legal violations or criminal acts, the TNI states that it will not tolerate them and will take firm action in accordance with applicable legal provisions, either through military courts, imposition of disciplinary punishments, or dishonourable discharge,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, the TNI Military Police Centre has uncovered four BAIS TNI soldiers as suspected perpetrators, initials NDP, SL, BHW, and ES.

TNI Puspom Commander, Major General TNI Yusri Nuryanto, assured that all suspected perpetrators have been secured and are undergoing intensive examination.

“The suspects have been secured and are currently undergoing in-depth examination by Puspom TNI,” he said.

This firm step by the TNI is hoped not only to resolve the case but also to become a positive precedent for other institutions in upholding responsibility, transparency, and accountability before the public.