Retired Members Forum Not Official Representation of TNI, Political Claims Need to be Corrected

JAKARTA- The emergence of a forum that claims to represent retired TNI-Polri has recently attracted public attention because it conveys a number of political demands on behalf of the institution. However, the forum is not part of the official structure of the retired member organization recognized by the state. This affirmation is important to avoid public misinterpretation of the official position of the TNI family and to maintain the neutrality of the institution in the realm of practical politics.

Major General (Ret.) Komaruddin Simanjuntak, Acting Chairman of the Indonesian Army Retired Members Association (PPAD), stated that the eight demands voiced by the forum do not represent the official stance of PPAD or all retired TNI AD members.

“The forum’s statement does not represent PPAD or all retired TNI AD members,” Komaruddin emphasized.

He explained that official organizations such as PPAD, PEPABRI, PPAL, PPAU, PP Polri, and PERIP have the legality and structure to convey aspirations in an orderly and constitutional manner.

“PPAD is a legitimate forum to channel the thoughts and aspirations of retirees constructively,” added Komaruddin.

Furthermore, Komaruddin reminded that maintaining the solidarity and honor of the TNI is a moral obligation for all retirees. Statements from unofficial forums risk being used by certain parties to create the impression of division within the TNI, even though the majority of retirees support the legitimate government and adhere to the Sapta Marga.

“The service of soldiers does not stop after retirement, but continues in maintaining the unity and integrity of the nation,” concluded Komaruddin.

Meanwhile, Political Observer Hendri Satrio reminded the public not to immediately draw conclusions from unilateral claims that do not come from legitimate institutions.
“The public needs to understand which are individual opinions and which represent institutions. This is important to maintain national political calm,” said Hendri.

This explanation reinforces the narrative that the official voice of the TNI and retirees can only be conveyed through legitimate and constitutional channels. Amid the need for national stability, clarification like this is important so that the public does not get caught up in misinformation that could disrupt trust in defense institutions.