Prabowo Orders Review of Requirements for Dayak TNI Recruits

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered officials to examine recruitment rules for Indigenous Dayak people who want to serve in Indonesia’s military.

Prabowo met Panglima Jilah, the grand leader of the Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng Red Troops, at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta. According to the Cabinet Secretariat, the meeting covered the Dayak community’s desire to join the TNI and police, including possible adjustments to requirements such as rules concerning traditional tattoos.

The following day, Prabowo summoned the TNI commander, the chiefs of the armed forces branches and several ministers to his residence in Hambalang. The meeting included a request for an update on recruitment requirements for members of the remote Dayak communities seeking to become soldiers.

The Cabinet Secretariat said the meeting also addressed disaster response, including the aftermath of an earthquake in Flores, the eruption of Mount Merapi and forest and land fires, particularly in Kalimantan and Sumatra.

TNI headquarters said it would follow up on the president’s instructions. “The TNI will follow up on all of the president’s instructions and guidance,” said TNI spokesperson Major General Muhammad Nas. He added that the military in principle gives all Indonesians the opportunity to serve, while the details of any changes will come after discussion and a final decision.

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The TNI will follow up on all of the president’s instructions and guidance.