Indonesia Revises Law, Allowing Military Officials Greater Civilian Roles Amidst Protests

Indonesia's Parliament passed a law granting military officials more civilian roles, a decision criticized by activists and students who fear a return to authoritarian governance reminiscent of the Suharto era.

Indonesia’s Parliament made headlines on Thursday after unanimously passing a contentious law revision that allows military officers to occupy more civilian positions, a decision that sparked protests from students and raised alarms about the potential erosion of democratic freedoms in the nation.

The revisions were backed by allies of President Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general with a history linked to the dictatorship of Suharto. Critics warn that this legislative move signals a troubling return to authoritarianism in a nation recognized as the world’s third-largest democracy.

Prabowo, who won a decisive election last year with the support of ex-president Joko Widodo, has faced scrutiny over his human rights background, particularly stemming from his dismissal from the army in the late 1990s due to his involvement in the abduction of political dissidents. The new law, pending signature from President Prabowo, opens doors for military officials to fill civilian roles, including positions within the attorney general’s office. This change follows Prabowo's expansion of military involvement in civilian sectors, notably in his initiated school lunch program.

During a plenary session, Speaker of the House Puan Maharani expressed her belief that the revised law aligns with democratic values, insisting on a commitment to civilian supremacy and human rights. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin further defended the amendments, asserting that the military must adapt to address both conventional and nonconventional security threats.

However, rights activists have condemned the government for pushing this amendment without engaging adequately with civil society. In front of Parliament in Jakarta, students rallied against the bill, brandishing slogans demanding military personnel be returned to the barracks.

Titi Anggraini, a constitutional law lecturer at the University of Indonesia, lamented a scenario where public oversight of institutions diminishes, warning that power is becoming increasingly centralized and authoritarian. A coalition of civil society organizations highlighted the public’s discontent, collecting over 12,000 signatures in protest.

Muhamad Isnur, the chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, criticized local political parties as being subservient, driven by the interests of military elites and politicians who prioritize power over democratic norms. With the passage of this law, many in Indonesia fear they are witnessing a pivotal shift in the balance of civil and military power.