Amid pro-democracy protests, Indonesia allows more military officers in civilian posts

Indonesia’s newly revised military law expands the role of the armed forces in civilian affairs and undoes the democratization of state institutions in the post-Suharto era, critics said after parliament unanimously passed amendments despite widespread opposition. 

After lawmakers fast-tracked the bill through previous discussions held behind closed doors, the House of Representatives (DPR) voted the bill into law on Thursday, while most Indonesians were still observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

That did not stop protesters from taking to the streets of Jakarta to denounce the bill’s passage. Among its provisions, it allows more active-duty military officers to hold more civilian government positions, extends retirement ages for senior officers, and broadens the military’s non-combat operations. 

Critics warn that the legislation marks a reversal of Indonesia’s democratic reforms that sought to limit the National Armed Forces’ (Tentara Nasional Indonesia) influence in politics and civilian governance. The government argued that “military reform,” as it called the changes, was needed to respond to modern security threats.

Benediktus Hestu Cipto Handoyo, a constitutional law expert, said military reform was “meaningless” if military personnel were allowed to fill strategic civilian roles.

“We are witnessing a return to the shadow of New Order-style authoritarianism,” said the expert from Atma Jaya University in Yogyakarta, referring to the late President Suharto’s authoritarian 32-year rule. 

RELATED STORIES

EXPLAINED: Why proposed revisions to Indonesia’s military law alarm democracy activists

10 things to expect from Prabowo Subianto’s presidency in Indonesia

Proposal to boost Indonesian military’s powers ‘dangerous for democracy’

A majority of the lawmakers in the House support President Prabowo Subianto, who won the February 2024 election, notwithstanding accusations of human rights violations committed while he served as an officer in the army under Suharto.

Prabowo, who used to be married to one of Suharto’s daughters, was dismissed from the army in 1998 under a cloud – linked to kidnapping democracy activists. And Suharto’s reign ended that same year, after widespread student-led protests.

The former general’s ascension to power had deepened concerns that Indonesia may be drifting toward the military-backed authoritarianism of 27 years ago.

Many Indonesians could not brook that.

On Thursday, thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliamentary complex to rally and shout slogans. Some had camped overnight, erecting tents near the main gates. 

Among slogans, protesters held up placards that read “Return TNI to the barracks,” “TNI is afraid of the people,” and “The New Order Strikes Back.”

“This House of Representatives is supposed to represent the people, yet it passes laws that betray the public’s trust,” said one protester, who withheld his name for privacy reasons.

On Instagram, an alliance of student organizations from across Indonesia said that instead of focusing on national defense, the government had resorted to increasing militarization.

“History has shown that military intervention in civilian affairs risks threatening democracy and civilian supremacy. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past. Democracy must be protected, not belittled,” said the post by the Aliansi BEM Seluruh Indonesia.

Andreas Harsono, Indonesia researcher at Human Rights Watch, said the legislation undercut the government’s expressed commitment to human rights and accountability.

“President Prabowo appears intent on restoring the Indonesian military’s role in civilian affairs, which were long characterized by widespread abuses and impunity,” he said in a statement.

Lawmakers speedily pushed through the legislation. They met last Friday and Saturday behind closed doors at a luxury hotel in Jakarta to discuss the bill – an unusual move given the government’s ongoing austerity measures.

New provisions

The following are some of the major changes that expand the military’s role in civil governance:

• Number of government positions open to active-duty military officers is increased to 14 from 10; state institutions added include Attorney General’s Office and National Counterterrorism Agency.
• Military personnel seeking roles outside these 14 institutions must first resign from service.
• Addition of cyber warfare to duties; Increase to 16 from 14 in the number of operations that the military can carry out related to protecting Indonesian citizens abroad.
• Retirement age for most ranks of armed forces officers raised, depending on rank; highest-ranking officials can serve until 63 years old, up from 60.

‘Revise military justice system’

Expanding the military’s role in civil affairs was needed to build a stronger and more versatile military capable of responding to modern security threats, including cyberwarfare and terrorism, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said.

“The military must evolve to meet emerging challenges,” he said after the vote. “This law ensures that the armed forces remain adaptable to global security dynamics.”

However, Amnesty International Indonesia said that what actually needed reform was the military justice system, which it and many activists say protects soldiers from prosecution in civilian courts.

“That is more crucial than revising the military law, which would further entrench militarization in civilian spaces and government positions in Indonesia,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

Military personnel are tried in military courts, which often lack transparency and are perceived to be lenient. Activists advocate they be tried in civilian courts to ensure accountability and justice.

According to Amnesty, at least 55 extrajudicial killings were committed by Indonesian security forces in 2024. Of those, 10 involved military personnel.

The expansion of military authority came five months after Prabowo, who was defense minister under his predecessor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, took office as president following a decisive victory in last year’s election. 

The bill was introduced by Jokowi during his government, although Prabowo, after being sworn in, rushed the process through without public consultation. 

Having been passed by parliament, the legislation will take effect once the president signs it, or automatically within 30 days if no action is taken.

A coalition of democracy activists said it would file an ethics complaint against lawmakers who handled the bill, alleging procedural violations, including a lack of public hearings.

“The draft revision has not been made public, even though it should be accessible,” said Gurnadi Ridwan, a researcher at the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA) and a member of the alliance. 

“This lack of transparency goes against established legislative procedures.”

Others vowed to challenge the law in Indonesia’s Constitutional Court once it is signed by the president.

Muhammad Isnur, chairman of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, said – “Indonesia is slipping back into authoritarianism and the subjugation of civilians.”