TNI Army Clarifies Anti-Robbery Role: Not Taking Over Law Enforcement
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Indonesian Army (TNI AD) has stated that soldier involvement in anti-robbery operations is not intended to take over law enforcement duties.
“It must be emphasised that the Indonesian Army’s involvement is not meant to assume law enforcement functions,” said Army Public Relations Chief Brigadier General Donny Pramono in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Friday (29 May 2026).
“The authority for arrests, investigations, and inquiries remains with the police,” he confirmed.
“The Indonesian Army’s role is to assist in security and joint patrols within the legal boundaries and respective authorities,” he added.
“As everyone knows, night-time Garrison patrols are joint operations involving TNI, police, and even Satpol PP,” he said.
He explained that these activities are conducted through joint patrols and integrated security operations under the assistance mechanism as stipulated by regulations, including the mandate of Law No. 3 of 2025 amending Law No. 34 of 2004 on TNI regarding Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), and based on official police requests.
“The presence of TNI AD personnel alongside police in high-risk areas aims to strengthen preventive effects, restrict criminal activity, and enhance public safety,” he concluded.
On one hand, the government believes TNI presence is necessary to bolster public security.
On the other hand, analysts argue street crime management remains the police’s domain.
Defence Ministry’s Bureau of Information Chief Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait stated that law enforcement remains the police’s primary duty.
However, in the context of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), TNI can assist regional governments and police when security situations require enhanced state presence on the ground.
“In the OMSP context, TNI also has the duty to assist regional governments and police in accordance with legal regulations, especially when public security and order require strengthened state presence on the ground,” Rico said during a journalist’s confirmation on Tuesday (26 May 2026).
He added that Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s directive to form Territorial Battalions is also expected to help curb criminality and maintain regional stability.