Indonesia’s parliament has passed controversial revisions to the country’s military law, a move that has sparked widespread criticism and protests.
The new law allows military officers to assume more civilian posts, a decision civil society groups fear could revive practices reminiscent of the authoritarian “New Order” era under former president Suharto.
Speaking at the parliamentary session on Thursday, March 20, Speaker Puan Maharani defended the revisions, claiming they align with democratic principles and human rights.
“This decision is guided by the principles of democracy and human rights”.
President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander under Suharto and now in office since October, has championed the expansion of military roles into civilian areas, including initiatives such as his free meals program for children.
However, the increased military involvement has raised concerns among rights groups, who worry about potential abuses of power.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential for human rights violations and the risk of impunity that these changes could bring,” said a spokesperson from a leading human rights organization.
The government insists the law includes safeguards to address public concerns.
“Officers will be required to resign from the military before assuming civilian roles in departments such as the Attorney General’s Office,” a lawmaker explained. It was also emphasized that military officers would not be permitted to join state-owned enterprises.
Protests have already erupted in response to the law. Demonstrators, including democracy groups and students, gathered outside the parliamentary building in Jakarta.
According to reports, some students camped at the back gate of the building overnight, refusing to leave despite police intervention.
One unnamed protester said, “We want the government to withdraw all military personnel from civilian jobs”.
Military personnel were called in to assist police in maintaining security at the parliamentary building.
Protesters argued that such actions demonstrate the risks of blending military and civilian roles.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the law, citing global challenges and the need for transformation.
“The geopolitical changes and global military technology require the military to transform … to face conventional and non-conventional conflicts,” he told parliament.
