On March 20, the Indonesian House of Representatives voted to approve significant changes to military legislation, raising concerns among critics about the potential for increased military influence in government. Mass protests by students are anticipated, with civil society groups warning that the new law could regress the world’s third-largest democracy to the oppressive “New Order” era of former President Suharto.
Current President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander under Suharto, has shown a clear intent to expand the military’s role in governance since taking office last October. Pro-democracy advocates fear this could signal a return to the dark days of Suharto’s 32-year military dictatorship, which ended in 1998.
On Wednesday, hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators gathered outside the Parliament, voicing their dissent against the legislative changes. The protest was marked by dramatic scenes, including individuals burning tires and pushing through gates, as captured by television footage.
The contentious bill, formally known as the Amendments to Law Number 34 of 2004 on Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), received unanimous approval during a plenary session led by DPR Speaker Puan Maharani. The revisions now allow the government to appoint military officials to 14 civilian institutions, an increase from the previous limit of 10. Additionally, the retirement age for many ranks has been extended; top-ranking generals can now serve until the age of 63, up from 60.
While the Indonesian government has stated that military officers must resign before assuming civilian positions, rights groups argue that such changes could lead to abuses of power and human rights violations, undermining the democratic framework established over the past 25 years.
Lawmaker Nico Siahaan sought to address concerns about military personnel in state-owned enterprises, asserting that military officers would not be permitted to join these companies. However, these assurances have done little to quell fears among activists.
Following the changes, protests erupted outside Jakarta’s parliamentary building. Activist Wilson from KontraS, a group advocating for victims of the 1997-1998 crackdown, articulated the sentiments of many, stating, “The essence of democracy is that the military should not engage in politics. The military should only manage barracks and national defense.” He further lamented, “Since 1998, there has been a creeping murder of democracy. Today marks its peak. Democracy has been killed by the House of Representatives.”
Despite efforts to limit military involvement in politics, local human rights watchdog Imparsial reported that nearly 2,600 active-duty officers were already occupying civilian roles prior to the law’s revision, underscoring the challenges facing Indonesia’s democratic aspirations.
