September 9, 2025 | 11:47 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (ICJR) has called on President Prabowo Subianto to regulate the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Cyber Unit after it patrolled social media to investigate alleged criminal acts.
The watchdog argues the TNI has overstepped its authority in a case involving influencer Ferry Irwandi, a frequent government critic.
ICJR researcher Iqbal M. Nurfahmi criticized TNI Cyber Unit Commander Brigadier General Juinta Omboh Sembiring, who coordinated with the Jakarta Metro Police regarding findings of alleged crimes by Irwandi. According to Iqbal, such actions contradict both the 1945 Constitution and the TNI Law.
“The TNI is not designed to function as a law enforcement agency. Its duty is to defend the state, not to conduct criminal investigations,” Iqbal said in a written statement on Monday, September 8, 2025.
He noted that Article 30(3) of the Constitution clearly states the TNI’s role is to safeguard national sovereignty. Under the TNI Law, its cyber mandate is limited to countering threats in the defense sector, not policing civilians.
“Patrolling to investigate alleged crimes is the National Police’s authority under the Criminal Procedure Code,” Iqbal added.
According to ICJR, the TNI’s involvement in such activities could endanger democracy and human rights. The group urged President Prabowo to put an immediate stop to any military operations that stray from legal mandates.
On the same day, Brig. Gen. Juinta visited the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, where he said his unit had identified suspected criminal activity by Irwandi through cyber patrols.
“From our monitoring, we found indications of criminal acts committed by Mr. Ferry Irwandi,” Juinta told reporters. “As law-abiding citizens, we prioritize the legal process, and in light of these allegations, we will take appropriate steps.”
Nabiila Azzahra contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: TNI Cyber Unit Suspects Influencer Ferry Irwandi of Criminal Act
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Palace Denies Prabowo Targeting Jokowi's Loyalists in Cabinet Reshuffle
2 jam lalu
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi has denied claims that President Prabowo's cabinet reshuffle targeted loyalists of former president Joko Widodo.
Indonesia's Stock Index Opens in the Red Zone After Prabowo Replaces Sri Mulyani
2 jam lalu
The Stock Exchange Composite Index (IHSG) opened in the red zone today, following the recent Cabinet reshuffle by President Prabowo Subianto.
Rupiah Today Predicted to Slide Further to 16,550 per USD After Sri Mulyani's Exit
2 jam lalu
The weakening of the rupiah today is mainly due to the negative response from the market to the replacement of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani.
Sri Mulyani's Controversial Statements Before Being Replaced by Prabowo
2 jam lalu
Indonesia's Ex-Finance Minister Sri Mulyani has become the target of public anger after making several controversial statements. What are they?
Prabowo Plans to Expand Indonesian Military Involvement Beyond Defense Matters
3 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo wants the military to be involved in non-defense matters, one of which is handling food security.
Sri Mulyani's Replacement as Indonesian Finance Minister Repeatedly Served Under Luhut
4 jam lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto appoints Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa as the new finance minister, replacing Sri Mulyani in the cabinet reshuffle.
Indonesian Military Clarifies Allegations of Involvement in August Demonstrations
5 jam lalu
Indonesian Military (TNI) clarifies news reports that mention allegations of soldier involvement in the riots during the demonstrations last August.
Prabowo Urges Gerindra Legislators to Avoid Flaunting Wealth
6 jam lalu
Prabowo Subianto gathered members of the House of Representatives from his party at his residence in Jakarta to give them warning about flexing.
Facts About Prabowo's Cabinet Reshuffle
6 jam lalu
Here are the facts about the recent cabinet reshuffle by Indonesian President Prabowo and the appointment of new ministers in his administration.
New Finance Minister Purbaya Claims Confidence in Improving Indonesia's Economy
16 jam lalu
Purbaya mentioned that President Prabowo instructed him to boost economic growth to 8 percent within 100 working days.
