TNI Commander Addresses Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s Role Under Presidential Secretariat
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Jakarta – The appointment of Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya as Seskab (Sekretaris Kabinet, Cabinet Secretary) under the Presidential Secretariat is under scrutiny. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto addressed the issue at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, March 13, 2025. The appointment is governed by Presidential Regulation Number 148 of 2024. General Subiyanto clarified the legal basis, emphasizing that the position aligns with existing regulations allowing active military personnel to hold roles within ministries. The TNI Commander highlighted the historical staffing of the Military Secretariat (Sesmil) by active military personnel, supported by specific laws.
The debate surrounding Lt. Col. Wijaya’s new role has prompted a closer look at the established protocols and legal frameworks that govern the intersection of military personnel and civilian government positions in Indonesia. The TNI Commander’s statements aim to provide clarity and context to an appointment that has generated considerable discussion.
Legal Basis for the Appointment
General Agus subiyanto addressed the legal framework supporting Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s appointment, emphasizing the established practice of military personnel holding specific roles within the government.
Yes, in Sesmil (Military Secretariat), Sesmil was held by the active military. So I said, so every ministry he had his own law which stated a certain position was held by the active military, so Yes.
General Agus Subiyanto, TNI Commander
This statement underscores that the appointment is not an isolated incident but rather a continuation of established practices within the Military Secretariat, supported by legal provisions allowing active military personnel to occupy specific roles. The TNI Commander’s remarks highlight the importance of understanding the legal and historical context when evaluating such appointments.
Seskab Position Equivalent to Echelon II
Further elaborating on the suitability of Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya for the role, General Agus Subiyanto explained the hierarchical structure of the position, clarifying its alignment with the officer’s rank and experience.
“This position of Seskab is echelon II, echelon II can be held by a maximum of 1 star,” he said.
This clarification highlights that the Seskab position is classified as echelon II, a rank that aligns with the qualifications and experience of a Lieutenant Colonel, thus justifying the appointment based on established military ranks and organizational structure. The Echelon II designation places the role within a well-defined bureaucratic hierarchy, ensuring that the appointed individual possesses the necessary expertise and authority.
KSAD General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak’s perspective
Echoing General Agus Subiyanto’s explanation, KSAD (Kepala Staf Angkatan Darat, chief of Staff of the Army) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak also addressed the issue, referencing Presidential Regulation number 148 of 2024 concerning Seskab under Setmilpres.
General Maruli Simanjuntak emphasized the past precedent of active military personnel leading Setmilpres, reinforcing the consistency of this practice over time.
If based on the presidential spokesman yesterday, there is a delivery that there is a Presidential Regulation that Seskab under Setmilpres. Setmilpres has always been led by two stars,no one retired,from the time of the time the rules were there.
General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, KSAD
This statement reinforces the consistency of appointing active military officers to leadership positions within Setmilpres, dispelling any concerns about Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s appointment being an anomaly. The KSAD’s remarks underscore the historical context and established norms that govern such appointments.
No Obligation to Resign
Addressing concerns about Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya perhaps needing to resign from his position, General Maruli Simanjuntak clarified that such action is needless, given the existing regulations and the structure of Setmilpres.
General Maruli Simanjuntak affirmed that Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s position is in accordance with regulations, emphasizing the compliance of the appointment with established legal frameworks.
“It shoudl be there,if based on that,not (withdraw). Not (violating), right in Setmilpres there are already soldiers. Setmilpres is the army,” he added.
This statement definitively confirms that Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s appointment is compliant with existing regulations and that his continued service within Setmilpres is both appropriate and expected. The KSAD’s clarification aims to dispel any doubts regarding the legality or propriety of the appointment.
Conclusion
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and KSAD General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak have clarified that Lt. Col.Teddy Indra Wijaya’s position as Seskab under Setmilpres is fully compliant with Presidential Regulation number 148 of 2024 and aligns with established practices of active military personnel holding key positions within the Military Secretariat. The explanations provided at the Parliament Complex in Jakarta on March 13,2025,serve to dispel any ambiguity surrounding the appointment and reinforce the legal and historical basis for Lt. Col. Teddy Indra wijaya’s role.
Indonesia’s Military-Civilian Nexus: unpacking Lt. Col. Teddy Indra Wijaya’s appointment
Did you know that the appointment of an active military officer to a high-ranking civilian position in Indonesia’s Presidential Secretariat has sparked a crucial debate about the intersection of military and civilian authority? This isn’t just a personnel matter; it’s a reflection of Indonesia’s unique political landscape and its ongoing evolution.
Interview with Dr. Anya Petrova, Expert in indonesian Politics and Security
world-Today-news.com: Dr. Petrova, thank you for joining us. The appointment of Lt. Col.Teddy Indra Wijaya as Cabinet Secretary under the Presidential Secretariat has raised eyebrows. Can you shed light on the legal framework governing this appointment?
Dr. Petrova: The appointment of Lt. Col. wijaya highlights the complex relationship between the Indonesian military (TNI) and civilian government. While it might appear unusual to some, the legal basis for this appointment rests on existing regulations that permit active military personnel to hold specific positions within ministries. This practise is rooted in past precedent,notably within the Military Secretariat (Setmilpres),where active-duty military officers have traditionally held key roles.Presidential Regulation Number 148 of 2024,specifically,governs this particular appointment. The key is understanding the specific legal provisions outlining which roles are permissible for active-duty military personnel. This isn’t a unilateral decision; it’s a function of established legal pathways.
World-Today-News.com: Many are concerned about the potential for military influence in civilian affairs. How significant is this concern, given the historical context you’ve mentioned?
Dr. Petrova: This concern is valid and warrants careful consideration. The history of Indonesia’s military involvement in politics is complex, marked by periods of direct rule and significant influence. While democratic institutions have strengthened since the fall of Suharto’s New Order, the military retains substantial influence. This appointment, though seemingly established within legal parameters, requires ongoing vigilance to ensure a proper balance between military and civilian authority. the crucial element here is clarity and accountability. Clear delineations of authority and robust oversight mechanisms are essential.
World-Today-News.com: The rank of Lt. Col. Wijaya and the echelon level of the Seskab position have been cited as justifying the appointment. Can you explain the significance of this hierarchical alignment?
Dr. Petrova: The fact that the Seskab position is an echelon II role, which can be filled by an officer of up to one-star rank, directly addresses the question of suitability. This hierarchical structure emphasizes the compatibility between Lt. Col. Wijaya’s rank and experience with the requirements of the position. This alignment is purposeful and provides an organizational framework within which to evaluate the appointment’s appropriateness. Understanding the indonesian bureaucratic structure is vital here, as it shows a deliberate attempt to match rank and duty.
World-Today-news.com: Both the TNI Commander and the KSAD have defended the appointment, citing past precedents. How strong is the argument based on these precedents?
Dr. petrova: The precedents cited—the historical deployment of active-duty military officers in Setmilpres—are indeed relevant to the discussion. These precedents demonstrate a pattern of practice, suggesting that Lt. Col.Wijaya’s appointment fits within established norms. However,while precedent is significant,it shouldn’t overshadow the need for ongoing evaluation and adaptation. The question becomes: do these precedents still align with current democratic ideals and the growing need for a clear separation of powers?
World-Today-News.com: What are the key takeaways from this situation for observers of Indonesian politics and for international relations in the region?
Dr. Petrova: This case underscores several key takeaways:
the importance of transparency in government appointments: The process should be clear and open to public scrutiny.
the ongoing evolution of the military’s role in Indonesian politics: The nation is navigating a complex change, and this appointment reflects the ongoing negotiation of power-sharing.
The need for robust mechanisms to oversee and balance the influence of the military in civilian affairs: This is crucial for safeguarding democratic processes.
A deep understanding of Indonesia’s legal framework and its historical context: These are essential for interpreting this appointment and its implications.
World-Today-News.com: Thank you, dr. Petrova, for your insightful analysis. This has been incredibly enlightening.
Dr. Petrova: My pleasure.Understanding this situation requires a nuanced view of Indonesian history,politics,and its robust legal system. These factors are crucial in assessing this and future similar cases.
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