Two alert instructions from TNI commander and home minister draw scrutiny
Two alert instructions have been issued simultaneously by government agencies in both the civilian and defence sectors, coinciding with heightened conflicts between Gulf nations.
Firstly, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto issued an instruction via TNI Commander Telegram Number TR/283/2026, signed by the TNI Commander’s Operations Assistant Lieutenant General Bobby Rinal Makmun on 1 March 2026. The letter contained seven orders requiring military units to begin heightened alert status by preparing strategic measures domestically in case the escalation resulting from the Iran-US-Israel conflict does not subside.
Two of the seven alert directives stipulated that the TNI’s Main Command for Operations (Pangkotamaops) should position personnel and military equipment to conduct patrols at strategic vital installations and economic centres. Secondly, the National Air Defence Command (Kohanudnas) was ordered to conduct continuous 24-hour air surveillance.
A second alert instruction was issued by Home Minister Tito Karnavian, directed at all regional heads. The main point of the letter prohibits governors, regents, and mayors from travelling abroad during the Eid al-Fitr holidays from 14-28 March. The instruction was conveyed through Home Ministry Circular Letter No. 000.2.3/1171/SJ dated 8 March 2026 concerning postponement of foreign travel during the 1447 Hijri Eid al-Fitr holiday period.
“With the exception of activities that are highly essential with implementation being a presidential directive or for medical treatment purposes,” Tito stated in his explanation in Jakarta on Monday (9/3).
However, the TNI commander’s instruction to deploy soldiers at strategic locations has attracted criticism. A civil society coalition has firmly stated its rejection of the instruction.
“The coalition urges the President and parliament to evaluate and revoke the telegram because it is inconsistent with the constitution and lacks urgency,” the coalition stated in its explanation on Monday (9/3).
Various organisations within the coalition include Imparsial, YLBHI, KontraS, Amnesty International Indonesia, Human Rights Working Group, WALHI, Centra Initiative, ICW, Jakarta Legal Aid Institute, and SETARA Institute.
The coalition assessed that the telegram is inconsistent with the constitution because the deployment of military force should be under presidential authority, not the TNI commander’s. According to the coalition, the current national defence and security situation remains controlled by the civilian government and law enforcement apparatus. There is no real threat escalation to national sovereignty that would require military involvement within an alert framework.
“Considering that recently the President’s actions have received considerable public criticism and rejection, it means the government is using politics of fear on the public if the President does not revoke this telegram,” it stated.