The recent explosion of active military ammunition in Garut, West Java, on May 12 claimed the lives of 13 people, including Indonesian Army personnel and civilians. This incident has raised serious concerns about the security of military facilities.
Ammunition storage sites are expected to be under tight supervision and strict discipline from all military personnel. The fatalities suggest a procedural error during the disposal of expired munitions.
Professor Armaidy, Professor of Philosophy at Universitas Gadjah Mada and Head of the National Resilience Study Program at the UGM Graduate School, emphasized that ammunition storage areas, classified as restricted zones, must remain off-limits to civilians.
“As restricted areas, civilians are strictly prohibited from entering or even approaching them,” said Professor Armaidy on Monday (Jun. 2).
To prevent similar incidents, Professor Armaidy stressed that ammunition storage and disposal facilities should be located far from residential areas. Proximity to settlements, he noted, is far from ideal.
“In the past, ammunition warehouses in Jakarta were located in remote areas. But development has progressed faster than our ability to mitigate these kinds of risks,” he explained.
He also underscored the importance of strict discipline among military personnel in adhering to standard operating procedures (SOP).
“There are two aspects of discipline in the military. First, the risk to oneself or one’s family. Second, the risk to others. When you carry a weapon, discipline must be paramount,” he added.
Furthermore, Professor Armaidy emphasized that routine monitoring is crucial to ensuring the safe disposal of expired ammunition and preventing casualties.
Commenting on the recent deployment of military personnel to secure attorney general’s offices, Professor Armaidy warned of the need to impose clear limits on the authority and roles of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
“There must be boundaries for the military, clear objectives, defined outcomes, and above all, proper oversight,” he stated.
He pointed to several root causes behind the unchecked expansion of military authority, including inadequate education, economic necessity, and weak state and civilian oversight.
“This happens because of a lack of knowledge and low levels of education. There are many contributing factors,” he said.
Concluding the interview, Professor Armaidy called on all parties, particularly civil society, to remain vigilant and uphold the boundaries of military authority.
“The most important thing is constant supervision, always monitored, always with limits. That is the role of civil society,” the professor concluded.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Illustration: Freepik