lighthearted

Jakarta, Indonesia – President Prabowo Subianto, during a large-scale harvest festival with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Malang, East Java, on Friday, July 17, made a lighthearted remark about the Indonesian National Police (Polri) not being under the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan) like the TNI. The comment, delivered with a chuckle, garnered widespread attention, drawing focus to the distinct institutional frameworks governing Indonesia’s primary security forces and the historical journey that led to their current separation. The event, held as part of a broader national food security initiative, brought together key figures including National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, underscoring inter-agency cooperation despite their differing administrative structures.

A Moment of Camaraderie Amidst National Endeavors

The President’s humorous quip emerged during his address at the "Panen Raya" (Grand Harvest) event, an initiative highlighting the military’s role in supporting national food security programs. These events are crucial for demonstrating the government’s commitment to self-sufficiency in food production and often involve significant logistical support from the TNI, showcasing their dual function beyond conventional defense. It was in this setting, while reminiscing about his tenure as Minister of Defense under former President Joko Widodo, that Prabowo recounted an experience with the domestically produced PT Pindad Maung tactical vehicle.

"When I was Minister of Defense, I was presented with an option, ‘Sir, the TNI…’ At that time, I was the Minister of Defense, so I couldn’t handle the Polri, sorry, the police don’t want to be under the Minister of Defense, do they?" Prabowo stated, his words punctuated by laughter from both himself and the assembled dignitaries and audience. The remark, though delivered playfully, immediately resonated with the historical and administrative realities of Indonesia’s security apparatus.

The Genesis of the Maung: A Testament to Domestic Defense Industry

Prabowo’s anecdote about the Maung vehicle provided the immediate context for his jest. He explained that during his time as Minister of Defense, he was presented with two options for a military jeep. One was a foreign-made vehicle, reportedly cheaper and of good quality. The other was the Maung, a product of Indonesia’s state-owned defense industry firm, PT Pindad, which came at a somewhat higher price point.

"Well, I chose the more expensive one, a bit more expensive, but it’s a product of Indonesian children themselves, namely the Maung. Which is now used by our officers, they now use the Maung," he proudly declared. This decision underscored a broader government policy under President Widodo, which Prabowo staunchly supported, to prioritize domestic defense production and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

The PT Pindad Maung, an acronym for ‘Harimau’ (Tiger), is a light tactical vehicle designed for various military and paramilitary applications. First publicly unveiled in 2020, it quickly gained traction for its rugged design, adaptability, and the symbolic value of being an indigenous product. The vehicle is capable of navigating diverse terrains, offers modularity for different weapon systems or troop transport, and represents a significant step forward for Indonesia’s ambition to develop a self-reliant defense industrial base. Its adoption by TNI officers, as highlighted by Prabowo, signifies a successful integration of local innovation into the nation’s defense capabilities, fostering technological independence and creating jobs within the country. This commitment to domestic production is not merely economic; it is a strategic imperative to ensure supply chain resilience and national sovereignty in critical defense sectors.

Institutional Architectures: TNI Under Kemenhan, Polri Directly Under President

The core of Prabowo’s jocular remark lies in the fundamental difference in the institutional placement of the TNI and Polri within the Indonesian state structure. This distinction is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s post-reformasi democratic framework, established after the fall of the New Order regime in 1998.

• The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI): Comprising the Army (TNI AD), Navy (TNI AL), and Air Force (TNI AU), the TNI is constitutionally mandated for national defense. Administratively and budgetarily, the TNI falls under the Ministry of Defense (Kemenhan). The Minister of Defense, a civilian appointee, is responsible for formulating defense policy, managing the defense budget, procurement, and administrative oversight of the armed forces. While the operational command of the TNI remains with the TNI Commander, who reports directly to the President, the Kemenhan plays a crucial role in ensuring civilian control and accountability over the military. This structure is a standard practice in many democratic nations, designed to ensure that the armed forces serve the state under civilian leadership rather than acting as an independent political entity.

  

• The Indonesian National Police (Polri): In contrast, the Polri, responsible for internal security, law enforcement, and maintaining public order, operates directly under the President. This separation from the Ministry of Defense was a critical reform aimed at demilitarizing law enforcement and preventing the concentration of power that characterized the New Order era, where both military and police functions were often intertwined under the Armed Forces (ABRI). The direct reporting line to the President is intended to ensure political accountability and prevent the police from becoming an instrument of a specific ministry or political faction, while still maintaining its independence in operational matters. The police budget is typically managed through the State Secretariat, with the President having direct authority over the appointment and dismissal of the National Police Chief.

Historical Context and the Spirit of Reformasi

The institutional separation of the TNI and Polri is a direct legacy of the "Reformasi" movement following the resignation of President Suharto in 1998. Prior to this, both military and police forces were integrated under the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (ABRI), with the military often playing a dominant role in internal security and political affairs. This dual function (Dwi Fungsi ABRI) was widely criticized for blurring the lines between defense and internal security, leading to human rights abuses and undermining democratic principles.

The key legislative milestones in this separation include:

• 1999: The establishment of the Ministry of Defense as a separate entity from the TNI, marking the beginning of civilian oversight.
• 2000: The formal separation of Polri from the TNI, placing it under the direct command of the President. This was codified through various presidential decrees and subsequently strengthened by the Law on the Indonesian National Police (Law No. 2 of 2002).
• 2004: The Law on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (Law No. 34 of 2004) further solidified the TNI’s role as a professional defense force, explicitly defining its mission and ensuring its accountability to civilian authority through the Minister of Defense.

These reforms were monumental, designed to professionalize both institutions, ensure their adherence to democratic principles, and prevent a return to the authoritarian practices of the past. The clear division of labor—TNI for external defense, Polri for internal security and law enforcement—is considered vital for maintaining checks and balances and strengthening democratic governance.

Analyzing the Implications of Prabowo’s Remark

While President Prabowo’s comment was delivered in a jovial manner, it nonetheless touches upon a sensitive and historically significant aspect of Indonesia’s security architecture.

• A Lighthearted Acknowledgment of Status Quo: On one level, the remark can be seen as a casual acknowledgment of the existing institutional arrangement, perhaps even a nod to the Polri’s distinct identity and independence. It highlighted that the current structure is a deliberate choice, not an oversight.
• Subtle Nod to Past Debates: Some analysts suggest that even a humorous statement from a figure like Prabowo, a former general and Minister of Defense, can subtly evoke historical debates or underlying sentiments within the security establishment. There have been sporadic discussions in the past, primarily within academic or policy circles, about the optimal placement of Polri – whether its operational effectiveness might benefit from a closer alignment with the defense ministry or a dedicated Ministry of Internal Security. However, the overwhelming consensus, particularly among civilian governance advocates, strongly favors the current separation to uphold democratic principles and prevent military overreach.
• Reinforcing Civilian Control: Ironically, by highlighting the Polri’s independence from Kemenhan, Prabowo implicitly reinforced the principle of civilian control. The President, as the supreme commander of both forces, ultimately holds the authority, and the direct reporting line of Polri to the presidency is a testament to this civilian supremacy in internal security matters.
• Prabowo’s Perspective as Former Kemenhan: Coming from Prabowo, who has a deep understanding of defense and military affairs, the remark also offers a glimpse into his perspective. As a former Minister of Defense, he was intimately involved in the administrative and strategic oversight of the TNI. His comment could be interpreted as a practical reflection on the scope of his previous ministerial responsibilities, which explicitly excluded the police.

Reactions and Expert Perspectives

While there were no immediate official "reactions" to Prabowo’s joke, the context provides grounds for inferring potential perspectives from relevant stakeholders:

• Polri’s Stance: The Indonesian National Police has consistently emphasized its role as a professional, civilian law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and upholding the law. Any suggestion of being placed under the Ministry of Defense would likely be met with reaffirmation of its current status as a direct presidential subordinate, vital for its independence and civilian character. Police leadership frequently stresses their commitment to community policing and their distinct mandate from the military.
• Defense Analysts: Security and defense analysts generally view the current separation as a critical achievement of Indonesia’s democratic transition. Dr. Conny Rahakundini Bakrie, a prominent defense analyst, has often underscored the importance of clear distinctions between defense and security mandates to prevent a return to the blurred lines of the past. Such analysts would likely reiterate that placing Polri under Kemenhan would risk re-militarizing internal security, potentially undermining human rights protections and democratic oversight. They would argue that the current structure provides a necessary check and balance, with the TNI focusing on external threats and Polri on internal law and order, each accountable through different, albeit ultimately presidential, channels.
• Political Observers: Political observers would likely interpret the remark as a characteristic display of Prabowo’s direct and sometimes informal communication style. They might also see it as an indicator that while he now leads the nation, his past experience as Minister of Defense continues to inform his understanding of the various state institutions and their relationships. The humor serves to defuse any potential tension while subtly touching upon significant institutional realities.

Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The incident, though brief and lighthearted, serves as a useful reminder of the fundamental principles underpinning Indonesia’s modern security architecture. The institutional separation of the TNI and Polri is not merely an administrative detail but a deeply symbolic and functional cornerstone of the nation’s democratic consolidation. It ensures that the use of force, both for external defense and internal security, remains accountable to the civilian government and, ultimately, to the people.

As President, Prabowo Subianto now oversees both institutions. His leadership is expected to continue strengthening the professionalization of both the TNI and Polri, ensuring they uphold their respective mandates within a democratic framework. The "Panen Raya" event itself, where the remark was made, further highlights the government’s holistic approach to national security, extending beyond traditional defense to encompass food security and national resilience, often requiring seamless cooperation between various state actors, including the military and police, despite their distinct chains of command. The ongoing development of a robust domestic defense industry, exemplified by the Maung vehicle, also remains a critical component of this overarching national strategy, aiming for greater self-reliance and technological sovereignty.