T

he Indonesian Air Force has expressed concern over the decision of ministries, including the Transportation Ministry and the Law and Human Rights Ministry, to design military-like uniforms for their officials, a trend the force said could cause a backlash for the military.

'€œThe uniforms, which look like ones worn by the military, will cause misconceptions and create the opportunity for certain people to abuse [the situation],'€ Air Force chief of staff Air Marshal Agus Supriyatna said in Jakarta on Tuesday.

He said that with more civilians wearing military-style uniforms, members of the military could be blamed for potential problems.

'€œIf there is a problem, military personnel could be the target [of blame] or if military personnel did something wrong, others might get the consequences,'€ he said.

The Air Force has written to the two ministries requesting that they drop military-like symbols and decorations from their uniforms.

Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan was particularly targeted by the Air Force for his decision to hold a photo opportunity on Sept. 17 last year to mark the national transportation day in full military-like regalia, accompanied by the ministry'€™s director general who was also dressed in a similar outfit.

Jonan was seen holding a baton and putting a military star badge on his shoulder.

'€œWe have written letters to express our concern. It will depend on the government [to find a solution]. The institutions should have their own uniforms,'€ Agus said.

Other than the two ministries, the Air Force has also written to mass organizations and political parties, warning them against adopting military-like symbols and uniforms.

The TNI commander issued a decision in 2004 on how military fatigue should look.

The decision forbids family members and other civilians from donning similar uniforms.

Air Force spokesperson Air Comr. Dwi Badarmanto said that uniforms were part of military identity and personnel did not wear them just for show.

'€œFor those who wear military uniform, it means he or she is a combatant and legally can be targeted during a war or conflict situation. Military uniform is also to distinguish combatants and civilians. That is why civilians should not wear military uniforms,'€ Dwi told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

Dwi said that the Indonesian Military (TNI), particularly the Air Force, had seen the trend of civilians wearing military uniforms reach alarming levels.

He said that if the trend continued, it could have adverse impacts on military personnel.

'€œIt will demoralize them because there would be no pride in wearing a uniform anymore,'€ Dwi said.

Responding to the Air Force'€™s demands, the Transportation Ministry said it had its own traditions in designing uniforms.

'€œWe have long used this uniform,'€ the ministry'€™s spokesperson JA Barata said on Tuesday.

Military uniforms and paraphernalia are easy to find at traditional markets nationwide.

Military police have previously conducted raids against civilians donning military fatigue.

The corps has also cracked down on privately owned vehicles featuring stickers that use logos and names of elite military commands.

Last year the TNI gained the most public trust and respect out of numerous institutions, even outdoing the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

A study conducted by the Jakarta-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) between Oct. 14 to 21 found that the TNI received support from 90 percent of 1,183 respondents surveyed.