TNI Headquarters Responds to Claims on Pramuka Certificates for Military Recruitment

The Indonesian Military (TNI) Headquarters has clarified its stance on the assertion that Pramuka Garuda (Scout Garuda) certificates can be used for direct entry into the TNI and Indonesian National Police (Polri) without undergoing standard tests. Mayjen Muhammad Nas, Head of the TNI Information Center, stated that while achievement documents like the Pramuka Garuda certificate are considered by selection committees, they primarily serve as administrative value-adds.

Nas emphasized that these certificates are not the sole determinant for acceptance into the TNI. "However, the decision on whether someone is accepted as a TNI soldier remains within the perimeter defined by Panglima Regulation 179 of 2025 concerning the Provision of Volunteer TNI Soldiers," he explained.

Echoing this, the Indonesian Army's Information Service Chief, Brigjen Donny Pramono, previously stated that national-level achievement certificates or awards, including the Pramuka Garuda, can enhance a candidate's score during the selection process. "Based on current soldier recruitment regulations, possessing certificates or national-level achievement awards, including Pramuka Garuda, provides added value in the selection process and can be a consideration during the assessment stages according to applicable regulations," Pramono said.

Despite the added advantage, both military branches stressed that all prospective soldiers must still complete the entire established selection mechanism. This includes administrative checks, health examinations, physical fitness tests, psychological evaluations, and mental-ideological assessments. This rigorous process ensures that every accepted soldier meets the required standards of quality, competence, and readiness for the TNI AD. The TNI AD affirmed its support for synergy with the Pramuka movement to develop character-rich youth and will coordinate future collaborations with the National Scout Movement (Kwarnas) to ensure clear understanding and prevent public misperceptions.