Indonesian legislators have passed amendments that significantly expand military roles in government, leading to widespread protests and fears of diminishing democracy.
**Controversial Military Law Change Sparks Protest in Indonesia**
**Controversial Military Law Change Sparks Protest in Indonesia**
Indonesia's updated military legislation raises fears of a return to authoritarian governance.
The article text:
Indonesia's parliament is at the center of controversy following the passage of law amendments that empower the military's role in government operations. Critics warn that this development could indicate a regression to authoritarianism reminiscent of former President Suharto's 32-year dictatorship, which ended in 1998. The legislative changes, supported by President Prabowo Subianto — a former military commander and Suharto's son-in-law — now allow active military personnel to assume positions within civilian institutions without the need to retire from the armed forces.
Since the amendments were proposed earlier this week, hundreds of pro-democracy activists have set up camp outside the parliament, voicing their opposition. "The essence of democracy is that the military should not engage in politics," stated Wilson, an activist from the Indonesian Association of Families of the Disappeared (KontraS), raising concerns over what he deems a decreasing democratic space in the country. The revisions permit military officers to hold roles in 14 civilian agencies, an increase from the previous 10, and extend the retirement age for many military ranks by several years.
By Thursday evening, protest attendance had swelled to nearly a thousand, with crowds demanding, "Return the military to the barracks!" and "Stop militarism and oligarchy." The police and military were present to oversee the protest activities. Local watchdog Imparsial revealed that even prior to these changes, approximately 2,600 active-duty officers were serving in civilian positions, highlighting existing militarization in governance.
Dedi Dinarto, an analyst at Global Counsel, suggests that these amendments signify a broader power consolidation under President Prabowo. Moreover, the cross-party support for the changes—particularly from the opposition—illustrates a concerning shift towards military involvement in governance. He cautions that embedding military influence in civilian affairs may prioritize stability and control over civil liberties and democratic governance.
For many Indonesians, Prabowo is synonymous with the oppressive military practices of the past. As commander involved in a special forces unit accused of human rights abuses during Suharto's regime, his ascent to power raised alarms about democratic backsliding. Since his presidency began last October, Prabowo has gradually expanded the military's influence in social welfare programs, including a $4 billion initiative for free meals for children, bolstered by military logistics.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin argues that these changes are necessary to adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes and require the military to remain involved in both conventional and non-conventional conflict management. Nonetheless, opposition figures claim that increasing military oversight in public spheres could jeopardize the integrity of institutions like the justice system. Questions arise, such as, "How can military personnel within the Attorney General's Office maintain impartiality while still under military command?"
Human Rights Watch's Andreas Harsono criticizes the government's push to re-establish military authority in civilian matters as a betrayal of human rights commitments. The growing concerns echo through activists who stress that the struggle against such legislative changes is far from over. "We will continue protesting until we claim victory... We have no choice but to occupy the 'house of the people'," asserted Sukma Ayu, a student from Jakarta. The pushback from a diverse segment of society indicates an ongoing resistance to the perceived threat against Indonesia’s democratic ideals.
Indonesia's parliament is at the center of controversy following the passage of law amendments that empower the military's role in government operations. Critics warn that this development could indicate a regression to authoritarianism reminiscent of former President Suharto's 32-year dictatorship, which ended in 1998. The legislative changes, supported by President Prabowo Subianto — a former military commander and Suharto's son-in-law — now allow active military personnel to assume positions within civilian institutions without the need to retire from the armed forces.
Since the amendments were proposed earlier this week, hundreds of pro-democracy activists have set up camp outside the parliament, voicing their opposition. "The essence of democracy is that the military should not engage in politics," stated Wilson, an activist from the Indonesian Association of Families of the Disappeared (KontraS), raising concerns over what he deems a decreasing democratic space in the country. The revisions permit military officers to hold roles in 14 civilian agencies, an increase from the previous 10, and extend the retirement age for many military ranks by several years.
By Thursday evening, protest attendance had swelled to nearly a thousand, with crowds demanding, "Return the military to the barracks!" and "Stop militarism and oligarchy." The police and military were present to oversee the protest activities. Local watchdog Imparsial revealed that even prior to these changes, approximately 2,600 active-duty officers were serving in civilian positions, highlighting existing militarization in governance.
Dedi Dinarto, an analyst at Global Counsel, suggests that these amendments signify a broader power consolidation under President Prabowo. Moreover, the cross-party support for the changes—particularly from the opposition—illustrates a concerning shift towards military involvement in governance. He cautions that embedding military influence in civilian affairs may prioritize stability and control over civil liberties and democratic governance.
For many Indonesians, Prabowo is synonymous with the oppressive military practices of the past. As commander involved in a special forces unit accused of human rights abuses during Suharto's regime, his ascent to power raised alarms about democratic backsliding. Since his presidency began last October, Prabowo has gradually expanded the military's influence in social welfare programs, including a $4 billion initiative for free meals for children, bolstered by military logistics.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin argues that these changes are necessary to adapt to evolving geopolitical landscapes and require the military to remain involved in both conventional and non-conventional conflict management. Nonetheless, opposition figures claim that increasing military oversight in public spheres could jeopardize the integrity of institutions like the justice system. Questions arise, such as, "How can military personnel within the Attorney General's Office maintain impartiality while still under military command?"
Human Rights Watch's Andreas Harsono criticizes the government's push to re-establish military authority in civilian matters as a betrayal of human rights commitments. The growing concerns echo through activists who stress that the struggle against such legislative changes is far from over. "We will continue protesting until we claim victory... We have no choice but to occupy the 'house of the people'," asserted Sukma Ayu, a student from Jakarta. The pushback from a diverse segment of society indicates an ongoing resistance to the perceived threat against Indonesia’s democratic ideals.
