September 8, 2025 | 07:20 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Defense has denied Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's proposal for martial law. Head of the Defense Information Bureau Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang claimed that there were no discussions or plans for this internally within the ministry.
Frega stated that the news mentioned Sjafrie asking Prabowo to accept the proposal for martial law in Hambalang. "I have checked with the legal bureau, legislation, and administration. There is no document as reported," Frega said in a press conference at the Ministry of Defense on Monday, September 8, 2025.
According to Frega, the implementation of martial law must also go through procedures and consultations with the legislative branch. "We emphasize that there is no intention to impose martial law. The TNI-Polri (armed forces-national police) remain solid in maintaining security," he said.
Frega stated that the Ministry of Defense is considering reporting this news to the Press Council and preparing a right of response. "The proposal for martial law is completely untrue. We will take steps in accordance with regulations, including reporting it to the Press Council and using the right of response," he said.
Frega responded to a Tempo Magazine report on Sunday, September 7, 2035, entitled Tarik Menarik Darurat Militer Meredam Demonstrasi Pembubaran DPR (The Ins and Outs of Declaring Martial Law to Quell Demonstrations of the Parliament Dissolution). It was reported that Sjafrie proposed that the government establish martial law. With this status, the army would lead efforts to quell protests.
Lately, the wave of protests at the end of August 2025 resulted in turmoil. The demand for the dissolution of the parliament led to chaos after the police dispersed the masses with tear gas. The situation heated up when a Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tactical vehicle killed Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver, in Bendungan Hilir. The tragedy sparked solidarity actions in various cities.
Amidst the tension, the military took to the streets to guard the House of Representatives (DPR) and government offices, supplementing the police forces. Although they were said to be only assisting, their presence created an impression of an emergency and gave rise to a narrative of martial law.
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