Indonesia’s Parliament has passed a law allowing more military officers to hold civilian positions, sparking concerns about the erosion of freedoms and the country’s democratic values. The revisions were proposed by President Prabowo Subianto’s allies and clear the way for military officers to fill attorney general roles and other civilian positions.
The move defies student protests and raises fears that Indonesia is reverting to its authoritarian past. Critics argue that the law was rushed through without proper consultation with civil society groups, while supporters claim it’s necessary to address modern security threats.
President Prabowo won a landslide election last year and has already expanded the military’s role in civilian functions. The revised law must be signed into by Mr. Prabowo. Rights activists have accused his government of undermining democratic institutions and centralizing power.
A coalition of civil society groups has collected 12,000 signatures protesting the law, with one activist saying: “We are entering a situation where the public no longer has control over formal institutions.” The opposition fears that the law will benefit military elites and politicians who ignore democratic rules.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/asia/indonesia-military-law.html