Regarding the TNI Bill, Observers Suggest Extending the Service Periods of Commanders and Chiefs of Staff for More Consistency

JAKARTA – Draft revision of Law (RUU) Number 34 of 2004 concerning the TNI regulates the increase in the retirement age limit for TNI soldiers. For enlisted personnel, the retirement age is 58 years and for officers 60 years. Apart from that, the service period of a four-star general or TNI Commander can be extended by the president.

Military and intelligence observer Susaningtyas Nefo Handayani Kertopati suggested that efforts be made to extend the service period of the TNI Commander and Chief of Staff more consistently. Has a more consistent time period of around 3 years or more.

“It could also be 5 years following the government cabinet’s term of service. With that time period, the performance of the TNI Commander and the three Force Chiefs of Staff can be more effective and efficient,” said Nuning, his nickname, Tuesday (4/6/2024).

In order for the service period of the TNI Commander and the three Force Chiefs of Staff to be more optimal, each candidate must be prepared at least 10 years in advance so that the pattern of changing TNI Commanders from the three force levels can run consistently.

“This pattern of changing TNI Commanders certainly requires a more regulated retirement age in order to fulfill the completeness of the Tour of Duty (ToD) and Tour of Area (ToA) as well as a balance between the Period of Service in Rank (MDDP) and the Period of Service for Officers (MDP),” he said.

This former member of Commission I of the DPR said that currently technological developments are increasingly rapid. Current violations of sovereignty in cyberspace and outer space are urgently needed to be addressed immediately.

“Given the complexity of TNI and Police duties in land space, sea space, air space, plus cyber space and space, TNI and Police soldiers can serve within Ministries and Institutions as needed,” he said.

Therefore, said Nuning, it is very natural for the retirement age of TNI and Polri soldiers to be extended according to their potential and projected assignments. “Indeed, making or revising regulations requires understanding the substance so that it is beneficial for institutions and society,” he said.

(cip)