A new structure within the Indonesian Military (TNI) is given its first test in conducting military operations other than war (MOOTW), as it assists the government to handle the pandemic. Future development of its roles will depend on the TNI leadership at all levels, wrote Tiola, Senior Analyst at RSIS.  So far, under TNI commander Hadi, who comes from the Air Force, Kogabwilhan has been able to introduce more diverse appointments; and has been trusted to handle major operations. Nevertheless, it is too early to tell whether such norms will prevail under different circumstances, she wrote.

Ms Tiola, Senior analyst at the Indonesia Program, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technology University, Singapore. The views expressed are her own.