By M Khaidar Khamzah, Editor at The Nusantara Times
Published: March 25, 2025
The Nusantara Times — Jakarta, Indonesia’s parliament has ratified a controversial law that expands the role of the military in government, prompting concerns from human rights groups and democracy advocates. The law, backed by President Prabowo Subianto’s coalition, allows military officers to assume an increased number of government positions, raising fears of renewed military dominance in civilian affairs.
Criticism Over Military Influence
The amendments increase the number of government agencies that can be staffed by military personnel from 10 to 14, including key institutions such as the Attorney General’s Office, the State Secretariat, and the Counterterrorism Agency. The law also extends the retirement age for active-duty officers, further cementing military influence in state affairs.
Civil society groups argue the move risks undoing decades of democratic progress. Andreas Harsono, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, warned, “President Prabowo appears intent on restoring the Indonesian military’s role in civilian affairs, which were long associated with widespread abuses and impunity.”
Government Defends New Law
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin justified the law, citing “geopolitical changes and global military technology” as reasons for adapting the Indonesian military’s structure to handle both conventional and nonconventional conflicts.
“We will never disappoint the Indonesians in keeping our sovereignty,” Sjamsoeddin said in parliament, though he did not specify the geopolitical threats Indonesia faces.
The government has insisted that officers must resign from the military before taking civilian roles and has clarified that military personnel will not be allowed to join state-owned enterprises in an attempt to allay fears over military entrenchment in business affairs.
Protests and Public Response
The law has sparked backlash from pro-democracy groups and student activists, who argue that it marks a return to the authoritarian policies of former President Suharto, whose rule was marked by military dominance over civilian institutions.
On Wednesday evening, students gathered outside the parliamentary building in Jakarta in protest, before being dispersed by authorities. More demonstrations are expected in the coming days as activists call for the repeal of the amendments.
Rights groups have raised concerns that the expansion of military influence could weaken civilian oversight, undermine democratic governance, and lead to human rights violations.
A Step Back for Indonesia’s Democracy?
As the world’s third-largest democracy, Indonesia has been lauded for its political reforms since Suharto’s resignation in 1998. However, the passage of this law has reignited fears that the country is sliding back towards military-led governance.
With opposition growing, the Subianto administration faces mounting scrutiny over its commitment to human rights and democratic accountability. Whether these amendments will endure or face resistance in the courts and on the streets remains to be seen.
