PDIP's TB Hasanuddin Criticises Military Chief Over Public Security Responsibility

Member of Parliament TB Hasanuddin has criticised a statement by Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, who claimed responsibility for security across all regions of Indonesia. Hasanuddin clarified that maintaining security and public order is the duty of the National Police, not the military. He stressed that if the Commander meant the TNI would take over overall responsibility for public security and order, such a notion must be corrected in accordance with the constitution. The 1945 Constitution clearly divides the tasks of the TNI and the Police. Article 30 stipulates that the TNI serves as the state instrument for defence, whilst the Police are responsible for maintaining security and public order and enforcing the law. This division of duties is also regulated in Law Number 2 of 2002 on the Police and Law Number 3 of 2025 on the TNI. Hasanuddin stated that defence is the primary task of the TNI, while public security and order is the domain of the Police. He acknowledged that the TNI can be involved in public security tasks through Military Operations Other Than War, including assisting the Police in maintaining security and public order. However, he emphasised that any patrols by the TNI in civilian areas must be conducted through clear coordination and mechanisms to avoid overlapping authority. The key is that the TNI’s role is to assist the Police, not to take over. The Commander had previously stated after a parliamentary meeting that he was responsible for security in all regions and urged the public to carry on with normal activities and ignore hoaxes ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on 17 August.