Indonesian Institute Urges President to Act on Military Interference in Corruption Probe

The Setara Institute has called on President Prabowo Subianto to intervene following allegations that members of the Indonesian military (TNI) obstructed a corruption investigation by the Metro Jaya Police on July 8, 2026. Hendardi, Chairman of the National Setara Institute, described the alleged hindrance of the investigation by military personnel as a highly serious matter.

Hendardi warned that if the actions were indeed taken to protect officials within the Attorney General's Office, the public would perceive it as an intervention in the legal process. He stated that such a situation would lead the public to believe the state defense institution is being used as a shield for corrupt individuals. "Such actions constitute treason against the state in terms of strengthening national sovereignty, respecting civilian supremacy, and national anti-corruption agendas," Hendardi said in a written statement on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

The institute emphasized that no TNI member has the authority to obstruct investigations or searches conducted by law enforcement officials. The involvement of military personnel in protecting individuals suspected of corruption is a dangerous abuse of power. Hendardi characterized corruption as an extraordinary crime that erodes the foundations of the state. "When armed personnel are used to secure the interests of corruption perpetrators, the threat faced is not merely corruption, but collusion between power, impunity, and the coercive power of the state," he stated.

This incident, according to Hendardi, demonstrates the risks of expanding military involvement in civilian spheres. He urged the government and the House of Representatives to immediately evaluate policies that permit TNI's engagement in civilian matters. The goal, he stressed, is to consistently return the TNI to its constitutional mandate as a state defense instrument under the principle of civilian supremacy. "Therefore, the President must take responsibility and immediately intervene by ordering the Commander of the TNI to thoroughly investigate the alleged involvement of his members and disclose the examination results," Hendardi urged.