Indonesia passes law allowing greater military role in government

Despite objections that it might increase the armed forces’ involvement in civilian affairs, Indonesia’s parliament approved a contentious law that allows members of the military to serve in more government positions.

The coalition-backed president Prabowo Subianto’s administration’s plan to reform the armed forces law on Thursday aims to expand the military’s scope in a nation that has long been influenced by its powerful armed forces.

Civil society organizations have criticized the amendments, claiming that they could bring Indonesia back to its oppressive past, which was predominated by military officers.

For fear that military personnel could be subject to abuse of power, human rights violations, and political impunity, rights groups have criticized efforts to encourage military involvement in public affairs.

In Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, protesters from various democratic organizations have announced their intentions. A few students set up camp at the back gate of the parliamentary building on Wednesday night to protest the law. They were later dismissed.

President Subianto, who took office in October and served under Soeharto as a special forces commander, has been expanding the role of the military, including through his flagship initiative, which provides free meals for children.

Law intended to resolve “nonconventional conflicts”

Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the minister of defense, argued that the amendment was necessary because “conventional and nonconventional conflicts must be fought and fought by the military.”

Officers could work for up to 10 government agencies, as permitted by the previous version of the military law. Military officers can now now work in 14 state institutions, according to the updated law.

The new law also increases the retirement age of sitting officers, extending the scope of the civilian posts that officers can hold, including the attorney general’s office, the state secretariat, and the counterterrorism agency.

According to Andreas Harsono, senior Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, “President Prabowo appears intent on restoring the Indonesian military’s role in civilian affairs, which have long been characterized by widespread abuses and impunity.”