Human Rights Minister Pigai: Military, Police in Civilian Roles Driven by Agency Heads, Not Government Policy

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has voiced concerns regarding the increasing number of Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police (Polri) personnel occupying civilian positions. Pigai asserts that these appointments are not driven by a top-down government policy but rather by the individual initiatives of ministers, agency heads, governors, and regents who actively invite military and police members into their departments.

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Ini tidak pernah menjadi posisi dan kebijakan pemerintah. Dari pimpinan tidak pernah. Bahwa masing-masing menteri, kepala daerah, gubernur, bupati, walikota, menteri atau kepala badan, mengundang TNI dan Polri masuk di wilayah sipil, iya. Mereka yang undang.

Pigai highlighted that his own ministry is an exception, having no TNI or Polri members in its ranks. He presented this as evidence that such placements are not a universal government mandate, stating he has never been reprimanded for maintaining a civilian-only staff. This suggests a degree of autonomy for ministries in their staffing decisions, or at least a willingness by higher authorities to accept differing approaches.

The minister described the actions of agency heads who recruit military and police personnel as "lebay" or excessive. He pointed out that these individuals are appointed to high-ranking positions such as directors-general, ahli (experts), and special staff. Pigai's statement aims to clarify public perception, countering the notion that the government is actively pushing for the militarization of civilian bureaucracy.

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Pejabat-pejabat menteri, lembaga, kepala badan, gubernur, bupati, walikota ini lebay. Undang jadi dirjen-lah, jadi direktur-lah, jadi staf ahli-lah, dari staf khusus-lah.

From an Indonesian perspective, this issue touches upon the delicate balance between civilian governance and the role of security forces. While the TNI and Polri are crucial for national security, their extensive involvement in civilian roles can raise questions about bureaucratic efficiency, potential conflicts of interest, and the principle of civilian supremacy. Pigai's remarks, made from within the government itself, signal an internal debate and a desire to reinforce the boundaries between military, police, and civilian administration.

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Saya kira aspek ini memang harus sering sampaikan kepada publik bahwa tidak pernah ada keinginan pemerintah untuk TNI dan Polri masuk di wilayah sipil.