IDNEWSNOW.COM, Jakarta – Pro-democracy NGO Setara Institute on Thursday disapproved of the step taken by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo who they deemed had rushed the passing of derivative government regulation (PP) No.3/2021 on managing national resources for defense use.
The group believes the heading of the program dubbed bela negara or ‘defend the nation’ will only further militarize civilians. Through the law’s passing, civilians will be able to be reserve members or in the law’s term, a ‘reserve component’ for the National Armed Forces (TNI).
Those who pass the selection process on competence are required to undergo basic military training for three months and once passed, they will be granted positions similar to the system adopted by TNI.
“Granting ranks to reserve components clearly shows civilian militarization as it adapts a military command in it,” said Setara’s human rights and security researcher, Ikhsan Yosarie, on January 21.
The Setara Institute researcher also believed the ranks that will be given to civilians are not explained in detail in this law. Ikhsan found that aspects in the law do not oversee the rights for civilians to refuse to undergo military reserve training or conscientiously object to it. He argued it was a move that came too fast from President Jokowi.
Read: Ciracas Police HQ Attack; Setara Institute Calls for Revised Military Court Law
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