THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDONESIAN NATIONAL ARMED FORCES (TNI) AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN POLITICS IN INDONESIA

Abstract

The involvement of the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in practical politics in Indonesia is nothing new. This can be seen from the track record of regional leaders who once ruled in parts of Indonesia as the dual function of ABRI. ABRI's dual function concept is a term to refer to the two roles of the military, namely the combat function and regional/community guidance. During the New Order era, ABRI's dual function in the field of defense was more widely used to minimize all forms of threats to state stability and Suharto's power. Then during the government of the reform era, there was a shift in the role of the TNI from being involved in political life to being a professional soldier. Then since the 2004 and 2009 elections, the TNI has managed to get out of practical politics. The departure of the TNI from practical politics is because the TNI as an institution that has armed forces can have a dangerous impact if given the right to vote. The research method that will be used in this study uses library research with a literature review based on literature sources on data tracking starting from books, articles, journals, and so on. Indeed, it is fitting for the TNI as the main component of the state to be returned to its role and function as carrying out the main task of being an instrument of national defense in a democratic country like Indonesia. The TNI may not participate in the political arena if the government in power has strong legitimacy and disputes between interest groups from the civilian side do not disturb the stability and running of the government. However, it is appropriate for the TNI to concentrate more on improving itself and re-preparing all the necessities to defend the country from all threats, disturbances, obstacles, and challenges (AGHT) and no longer expect to be involved in the world of practical politics which is a civilian area.