16 March 2026
Sadli Damanik A.Md
HUMAS FH-USU: Friday (13/03/2026), Imparsial, in collaboration with the Medan Legal Aid Institute (LBH Medan) and the Faculty of Law, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FH USU), held a public discussion titled “The Draft Presidential Regulation on TNI Involvement in Counterterrorism: Threats to Democracy, Human Rights, and the Rule of Law in Indonesia” at the Moot Court Hall of FH USU.
The Dean of FH USU, Dr. Mahmul Siregar, S.H., M.Hum, in his opening remarks, expressed gratitude to Imparsial and LBH Medan for initiating the event and for entrusting FH USU with this collaboration. “We at USU certainly welcome this kind of partnership, as one of the rector’s priority programs mandated to us is the development of cooperation with strategic partners,” stated the Dean.
The discussion brought together academics, legal practitioners, and civil society representatives to critically examine the Draft Presidential Regulation (Ranperpres) governing the involvement of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in counterterrorism efforts.
FH USU lecturer, Dr. Afnila, S.H., M.Hum, in her presentation highlighted several fundamental issues related to both the formation and substance of the Ranperpres. From a legislative standpoint, the draft regulation is considered problematic as it has the potential to introduce new norms that should not be regulated at the level of a Presidential Regulation.
“In Indonesia’s legal system, the establishment of norms governing the authority of state institutions, particularly those involving the use of military force, should be more strictly regulated at the statutory level to ensure democratic legitimacy and adequate oversight,” she explained.
Imparsial Deputy Director, Hussein Ahmad, S.H., M.H, assessed that the proposed policy threatens freedom and democratic life in Indonesia. He criticized the Ranperpres for potentially expanding the TNI’s authority beyond its primary function as a state defense instrument. Under the draft, the TNI could be granted broad powers, including authority to conduct arrests, enforcement actions, and recovery measures.
A speaker from KontraS North Sumatra, Adinda Zahra Sembiring, S.AP, presented findings regarding TNI involvement in civilian spaces in the North Sumatra region. Based on monitoring efforts, she noted an increasing trend of activities intersecting with civilian domains.
Adinda Zahra also argued that the military justice system continues to function as a space that tends to shield military personnel from open legal accountability. This raises concerns that alleged violations involving the military may not be processed in a transparent and accountable manner.
The discussion also featured the Director of LBH Medan, Irvan Saputra, S.H., M.H, as well as human rights activist and academic from Universitas Negeri Medan, Dr. Majda El Muhtaj, S.H., M.Hum.
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