Over the past two decades, since Indonesia’s reform era, the separation of the military from civil affairs has been implemented. However, recent discussions surrounding the proposed Law on Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience (RUU KKS) have raised concerns about the planned involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in cybersecurity law enforcement.
This move risks reviving the military’s dual function in civilian domains and overlapping with the authority of law enforcement agencies. The expansion of the TNI’s role is seen as a potential threat to democratic principles and civilian supremacy guaranteed by the constitution.
Dr. Achmad Munjid, Head of the Center for Security and Peace Studies at Universitas Gadjah Mada (PSKP UGM), stated that the military’s involvement in the RUU KKS does not occur in a vacuum.
He viewed it as a continuation of the resurgence of the TNI’s dual function following the amendment to the TNI Law in March 2025. The revision grants the TNI a legal basis to perform non-combat duties in civilian, economic, political, and even legal matters.
“In the RUU KKS, the military’s role extends into legal domains, which are inherently civilian affairs. If left unchecked, this will be unhealthy for the functioning of democracy,” said Dr. Munjid on Monday (Oct. 20).
Dr. Munjid emphasized that granting the TNI authority over cybersecurity matters constitutes a risky expansion of power that could undermine the democratic system. Clear accountability between civilian and military authorities within the bill is essential to prevent potential abuse of power stemming from overlapping responsibilities.
“The overlapping authority between civilian and military institutions in the RUU KKS must be clarified, as accountability is a fundamental issue that requires serious attention,” he explained.
According to Dr. Munjid, the military indeed has a role to play in cybersecurity and national resilience, particularly in addressing external threats such as cyber warfare that require technical expertise.
However, the problem arises when the TNI’s powers spill over into civilian domains, threatening civil liberties and democratic freedoms. The TNI should not act as investigators or law enforcement agents, surveilling civilians who are critical of the government.
“There must be a clear boundary. If the TNI becomes involved, civil liberties will be controlled under a ‘security approach,’ where dissenting opinions are treated as threats, suspected, or even criminalized. That would be unacceptable,” he stressed.
Dr. Munjid further stated that the state has an obligation to protect and uphold the rights of its citizens as enshrined in the constitution.
Freedom of expression and differing opinions are part of democracy, not threats to the state. Criticism of the government is essential for maintaining the balance of power.
“The military’s involvement in political and civilian oversight reminds us of the New Order era, when the military’s presence in public life suppressed civil liberties, criminalized dissent, and justified excessive control,” he warned.
“Such militarization of public and cyber spaces should not occur if we wish to maintain a healthy democracy.”
Dr. Munjid also highlighted recent cases of national data leaks and misuse of personal data as evidence of weak data security in Indonesia. He argued that the military’s role should focus on securing data to prevent future breaches and misuse rather than criminalizing outspoken civilians.
“The role of the security apparatus should be to prevent data misuse from recurring and to protect citizens from foreign interference. That should be the real priority,” he concluded.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Illustration: Freepik