Indonesia’s parliament has passed contentious amendments to the country’s military law, allocating more civilian posts for military officers. However, civil society groups and human rights activists have criticized the legislation, fearing it may lead to abuses of power, human rights violations, and impunity from consequences.
The revisions were approved unanimously by Speaker Puan Maharani, who stated that they aligned with democracy, human rights, and civil supremacy principles. President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander, has been expanding the military’s role in civilian areas, including his flagship program of free meals for children.
Rights groups have expressed concerns over the increased military involvement, citing potential risks to power abuses and human rights violations. Despite government assurances that officers will resign from the military before taking civilian posts, lawmakers have noted that certain aspects of the law remain unchanged.
The amendments extend the retirement age of officers, which analysts warn could reduce professionalism among soldiers as promotion prospects are squeezed. The Indonesian military faces issues with training resources and standardization of military hardware, issues not addressed by the revised law.
Protests broke out outside the parliamentary building in Jakarta, with hundreds of students and activists demonstrating against the reforms. Critics, including Usman Hamid from Amnesty International, warn that the legislation may lead to a “New Order” era reminiscent of Suharto’s authoritarian rule. The government has defended the law, citing the need for military transformation to face modern conflicts.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-parliament-passes-contentious-amendments-military-law-2025-03-20