Individuals with Tattoos Eligible for TNI Selection, Here Are the Requirements
The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KSAD), General Maruli Simanjuntak, has ensured that citizens who possess tattoos due to traditional customs are permitted to register for the TNI, noting that this has actually been allowed for a long time.
According to him, the TNI has no issue with prospective soldiers having tattoos if they are part of their ancestral traditions. He made this statement in response to requests from representatives of the Dayak tribes across Kalimantan, who met with President Prabowo Subianto a short while ago.
“It has indeed been allowed since long ago; there is no problem with that. If the tattoos are due to tradition, it is permitted,” said Maruli following a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) in the parliamentary complex, Jakarta, on Monday (31/8).
However, so far, he noted that he is not yet aware of any tattooed citizens who have applied as prospective TNI soldiers. His office will actively look for those with traditional tattoos, including members of the Dayak tribe who wish to enlist. “Not all Dayak people have tattoos, so there is actually no issue. We do not yet know who is interested, but we will look further. We will ensure it,” he said.
He further emphasised that the TNI would warmly welcome soldiers representing all regions and tribes across the nation, especially as the TNI is currently working to increase its personnel.
Previously, the @sekretariat_kabinet Instagram account posted photos and captions regarding President Prabowo Subianto receiving Panglima Jilah, the great leader of the Dayak tribes of Kalimantan, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Friday, 28 August 2026.
During that meeting, the Dayak community representatives requested that the government build roads in inland areas, such as Sanggau and its surroundings. They also requested the construction of public schools (Sekolah Rakyat) and scholarships across various Dayak customary territories, noting that two public schools have already been built in West Kalimantan.
Furthermore, they requested that the government undertake the construction of Dayak traditional houses. Finally, they appealed for Dayak citizens to remain eligible to join the TNI and Polri, even if they possess tattoos due to custom and tradition.