TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The plan by the Jayakarta Military Command (Kodam Jaya) to deploy a combat battalion to tackle street robberies, or begal, in Jakarta has drawn sharp criticism from the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform. Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Chairperson Muhamad Isnur deemed the policy excessive, warning that it further blurs the lines between national defense and internal security functions in Indonesia.
According to Isnur, involving the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in handling civilian crimes not only contradicts the principles of security sector reform, but also risks triggering a repressive approach and the excessive use of violence in public spaces. "Lately, the trend of military expansion into civilian spaces under the guise of Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) has been disproportionately excessive," Isnur said in a written statement on Monday, May 25, 2026.
He argued that the TNI serves as a national defense tool trained to confront wartime and external armed threats, rather than general criminal activities within society. "Issues like street robberies, violent theft, or urban security disturbances fall squarely within the jurisdiction of civil law enforcement, which is the responsibility of the police and local government institutions," he said.
According to Isnur, deploying a combat battalion to counter street crime exposes an overreactive state that fails to distinguish national defense threats from public security issues. "Using a military approach to address civilian crime is dangerous, as it opens the door to the normalization of militarism in society," he added.
In managing the robbery crisis in Jakarta, Isnur believes the local government bears a significant responsibility for prevention and mitigation. These measures could include mapping out high-risk areas, improving street lighting, installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at crime-prone locations, and providing safety education for nighttime commuters.
"Meanwhile, the police hold the constitutional mandate to conduct security patrols, investigations, law enforcement, and criminal prosecutions," Isnur stated.
The Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform emphasizes that public security issues cannot be resolved through militaristic measures. They argue that the state must strengthen police professionalism and local government capacity instead of constantly relying on the TNI as a quick fix for civilian problems. "If these practices are left unchecked, it will not create a sense of safety for citizens, but rather normalize military interference in civilian life, gradually eroding democratic principles and security sector reform in Indonesia," Isnur expressed.
Previously, Kodam Jaya confirmed its participation in anti-robbery operations across Jakarta and its surroundings. Kodam Jaya Commander Lieutenant General Deddy Suryadi stated that the deployment of TNI personnel aims to restore a sense of security among the public. "We want people to feel safe during their activities, especially at night and in areas considered risky," Deddy said when contacted on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Deddy maintained that the TNI will not stand idly by given the current security situation. According to him, TNI personnel will patrol alongside the police to maintain local security. "The safety of the people remains our top priority," the three-star general added.
Novali Panji Nugroho contributed to this report
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