RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Faculty member at Universitas Indonesia, Muhammad Syaroni Rofii, commented on the growing role of the military in Indonesia under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto. He urged the government to manage the relationship between the military and civilian institutions properly.

He shared his views after a commemorative event held by the Turkish Embassy in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 17, 2026. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the 2016 military coup attempt in Turkey, which was successfully thwarted after widespread public protests erupted shortly after the coup was announced.

"I believe military coups occur when channels for public aspirations are closed off, and spaces for dialogue are restricted. The government should properly manage the actors involved by clearly defining the role of the military and the role of civilians," he said.

Syaroni noted that Indonesia often looks to the United States as a model of healthy civil-military relations. Although the U.S. has one of the world's largest armed forces, its military is widely regarded as professional and generally uninvolved in civilian affairs—a principle that has been codified, at least in part, through the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878.

"I think everyone should adhere to the Constitution. If the rules are clear, then all actors will accept them," he said, referring to Indonesia's 1945 Constitution.

The academician also called on the government to expand opportunities for public participation and dialogue, warning that suspicion and mistrust would grow if such channels remained limited.

"Ultimately, every element of society—both the military and civilians—shares responsibility for governing and protecting this country," he said.

Under Indonesia's 1945 Constitution, the Indonesian Military (TNI) are tasked with "defending, protecting, and preserving the integrity and sovereignty of the state." Their duties are further regulated under Law No. 34 of 2004 on the TNI.

Amendments to Law No. 34 of 2004, passed in March, formally expanded the military's role in civilian affairs. The revisions include allowing active-duty military personnel to serve in four additional state institutions and broadening the scope of military assistance in non-war operations.

Beyond the legal changes, the Indonesian military has increasingly taken part in civilian programs. In recent months, the TNI has assisted the government's food self-sufficiency initiative and has participated in training programs for civilians, including the controversial state defense training for prospective managers of the Red and White Village/Subdistrict Cooperatives.