TNI Joins Manhunt for Muggers, Expert States Support Role, Not Police Function Takeover

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Military defence expert Connie Rahakundini Bakrie assessed that the TNI’s involvement in hunting muggers is a form of support for the police, not a takeover of law enforcement duties. Connie stated that the TNI’s role in national governance is regulated under the TNI Law via Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP), which includes supporting the Indonesian National Police (Polri) in maintaining stability and security. ‘The handling of crimes such as muggings is primarily the domain of the police and regulated under the Police Law. TNI’s presence should be understood as institutional support, not a takeover of police functions,’ Connie told Kompas.com via text message on Monday (25/5/2026). She added that the state must ensure this role does not exceed the defined authority limits. ‘But the state must not allow functional overlaps that could obscure the security sector reform design post-Reformasi,’ she said. Regarding support for the Muggers Hunting Team, Connie stressed the importance of clear task mandates and defined operational scope. ‘And formal coordination with the police, as well as being under civilian authority control and periodic evaluation mechanisms,’ she added. Previously reported, the Indonesian National Army through Kodam Jaya has joined the hunt for muggers rampant in Jakarta and surrounding areas. ‘We have already conducted joint patrols at the grassroots level. The units involved include not only territorial units like Koramil and Kodim, but also combat battalions,’ Iskak said at a press conference at the Metro Jakarta Police Headquarters on Friday (22/5/2026). Iskak stated that the TNI’s involvement is to support Jakarta’s security alongside the Muggers Hunting Team formed by the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Metro Jakarta Police. He added that regional security is a shared responsibility between the police and the TNI. ‘The presence of security personnel among the public is intended to provide a sense of safety and demonstrate the state’s commitment to protecting citizens,’ he said.