The Formation of the National Defence Council Could Undermine Democracy and Civil Supremacy

Jakarta — The formation of the National Defence Council (DPN) via Presidential Regulation No. 202 of 2024 has attracted broad criticism, as the council would wield extensive powers with limited public oversight. Its existence is seen as potentially undermining democratic principles and civil supremacy and as overlapping with pre-existing institutions. Although the government argues the DPN is necessary to strengthen coordination of national defence strategy amid global geopolitical dynamics, cybersecurity threats, regional conflicts, and non-military security challenges. The discussion, organised by Spektrum Literasi Demokrasi (SLD) in Jakarta on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, was attended by Democratic and Civil Supremacy advocate Fauzan Ohorella; constitutional law scholar Rorano S. Abubakar; and political and legal activist La Ode Noval. Ohorella argued that this non-structural body could be a ‘super body’ due to limited oversight and transparency. ‘We can see from several articles that are open to interpretation, such as Article 6 of Presidential Regulation No. 202 of 2024 which states that the Acting Chair of the DPN is held by the Minister of Defence. This creates ambiguity because the Defence Minister is both a policymaker and part of the policy executor, but also leads coordination of strategic bodies that provide considerations to the President,’ he said. Ohorella emphasised that this could lead to overlapping policy and vested interests and ‘certainly there will be potential role conflicts and concentration of power in the defence sector.’ He also highlighted several business policies intersecting with the Ministry of Defence. ‘There are budgets within the ministry suspected to be managed by the Minister of Defence, from education funds to procurement of pickup trucks via a state-owned company and others,’ he said. ‘I think this is already common knowledge, such as the 20 percent education fund managed by the Ministry of Defence and allegations of pickup truck procurement by a state-owned company. My fear is that the DPN will become a tool for business interests.’