Indonesia’s parliament recently passed controversial revisions to the country’s military law, which will increase the number of civilian positions held by military officers. This move has sparked criticism, with civil society groups warning that it could lead Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, back to the authoritarian “New Order” era under former President Suharto, when the military played a dominant role in civilian affairs.
The revisions were approved in a plenary council, led by Speaker Puan Maharani, who defended the changes, claiming they align with democratic principles and human rights. President Prabowo Subianto, who took office last October and was a former special forces commander under Suharto, has been pushing to expand the military’s influence into civilian sectors. One of his initiatives includes providing free meals for children.
However, rights groups have expressed concerns over the growing military involvement, fearing potential abuse of power, human rights violations, and lack of accountability. In response, the government has assured that officers will be required to resign from the military before taking up civilian roles, such as positions in the Attorney General’s Office. Additionally, a lawmaker has stated that officers will not be allowed to join state-owned companies to address concerns about military involvement in business.
Protesters from various democracy groups and student organizations have announced plans to hold rallies in front of the parliamentary building in Jakarta. Several students had been protesting outside the back gate of the parliamentary building since Wednesday evening, demanding the government remove military personnel from civilian roles and withdraw the law. Police attempted to remove the protesters, but they refused to leave. At the time the bill was passed by parliament, only a small group of protesters remained.
Military personnel were called in to assist the police in providing security at the parliamentary building.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the revised law, stating that global military technology and geopolitical changes required the military to evolve in order to address both conventional and non-conventional conflicts. He emphasized that the government would not disappoint Indonesians in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, though he did not elaborate on the specific geopolitical challenges he was referencing.
