Directives of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the 2023 Leadership Meeting of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), at the Sultan Hotel, DKI Jakarta, February 8, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

In this year’s Leadership Meeting of TNI-Polri, I want [both institutions] have the same vision. There must be clear division of their duties. That is the goal. Earlier, I conveyed about investment, downstreaming, forest fires, and matters related to maintaining conduciveness in the political year. These were the broad idea.

However, since the meeting adopted the theme of productivity and economic transformation, I addressed the importance of downstreaming which provides great added value for the country. That way, the TNI and Polri must ensure that industrialization and downstreaming can actually run well with no disturbances on the ground.

Journalist
Is there any specific direction regarding the solidarity of TNI-Polri ahead of the political year, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

No, nothing. I am sure the TNI-Polri know exactly what needs to be done. The most important thing is maintaining conduciveness in the political year and not getting involved in practical politics. That is all.

Journalist
What about illegal mining, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I already said earlier that illegal export, illegal mining activities are still operating and cause disruption of downstreaming and industrialization processes. That will be the task of TNI and Polri. Illegal exports include the export of tin, bauxite, and coal have not stopped so the state revenues significantly decrease because of such activities. That is the job of the TNI and Polri.

Regarding sea-related exports, it will be the task of the water police unit, the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), and the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL). I think they already know how to handle it. I do not need to explain in detail. That is all.

Journalist
What about forest and land fires (karhutla), Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The El Niño may cause forest and land fires, so be cautious, I have warned Riau, North Sumatra, and Kalimantan provinces since at the end of this February, the heat may increase. The commitment still stands, I have reminded about the commitment made seven years ago and it still stands until now. If a major fire breaks out in a province, then Chiefs of Military Regional Command, Regional Police, and Military Resort Command should be responsible.

(RIF/MMB)