Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
March 21, 2025
HRRC strongly condemns the Indonesian government's expansion of military influence in civilian affairs, which threatens democratic rights and governance. The international community must take urgent action to prevent a return to authoritarian practices and ensure accountability.
![People take part in a protest outside the Indonesian Parliament against revisions to the country's military law, which will allocate more civilian posts for military officers, in Jakarta, Indonesia, March 20, 2025. [Image credit: Reuters/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana]](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e28a6b_59725900bdf14c6c823d761d3f923148~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_960,h_640,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/e28a6b_59725900bdf14c6c823d761d3f923148~mv2.png)
Indonesia’s parliament has passed a contentious revision to the military law, expanding the armed forces' role in civilian affairs, despite strong opposition from democracy activists and students. The law undermines democratic rights by blurring the line between civilian governance and military authority, risking a return to authoritarian practices.
The amendment permits current military commanders to take on civilian jobs in new state organizations without retiring early, prompting fears about a return to the Suharto-era dual-function system that permitted military domination in government. The measure was expedited through debates, with parliamentarians attending closed-door talks before its passage. The amended legislation, supported by President Prabowo Subianto's coalition, allows military commanders to participate in 14 state institutions, increasing their involvement in civilian governance.
The law, which passed unanimously under Speaker Puan Maharani's leadership, has been justified as being consistent with democratic values and human rights. However, critics worry that it would erode civilian supremacy and lead to potential human rights violations. President Prabowo Subianto, a former Army general, has previously faced criticism for incorporating military troops into social initiatives like as free meal distributions and major infrastructure projects. The bill increases military commanders' eligibility for critical civilian positions such as the attorney general's office, the state secretariat, and the counterterrorism agency while extending their retirement age. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin supported the revision by noting geopolitical shifts and nontraditional wars that necessitate military reform.
The public uproar against the bill has grown, with student and activist organizations organizing rallies in Jakarta (Capital City of Indonesia) and other cities. Protesters claim that the legislation was rushed through without proper public participation and will undermine Indonesia's democratic institutions. BEM SI, a coalition of student organizations, has called for national rallies, claiming that the modification "betrays the people's mandate". Meanwhile, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has criticized the lack of a full examination of the current law, saying that the amendments might result in an undemocratic administration. Rights groups, notably Human Rights Watch, argue that the amendments undermine accountability and may lead to abuses and political impunity for military personnel.
Human rights organizations, democracy advocates, and international bodies must urgently call on the Indonesian government to uphold democratic principles by preventing military overreach into civilian affairs and ensuring governance remains free from authoritarian influence.
Glossary
Abuse – Wrong or harmful treatment of someone or something.
Accountability – Being responsible for one's actions and facing consequences.
Amendments – Changes or improvements made to a law or document.
Attorney General – The top legal officer of a country or state.
Authoritarian – a blind submission to an authority.
Civilian Supremacy – elected leaders and government officials, not the military, have the highest authority in a country.
Contentious – Causing disagreement or argument.
Eligibility – Meeting the requirements or conditions to do something.
Examination – A careful inspection or study of something.
Expedited – Made faster or done quickly.
Geopolitical – Politics influenced by geographical factors.0
Governance – the action or manner of governing a country or organization.
Impunity – Freedom from punishment or consequences.
Inconsistent – Not staying the same; changing or contradictory.
Infrastructure – the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities.
Legislation – Laws or rules made by a government.
Mandate – Official order or an authorization to act given to a representative.
Overreach – Going beyond the proper limits or authority.
Parliament – An assembly of representatives of a nation who make laws.
Permitted – Allowed or given permission.
Revisions – Changes or updates made to something.
State Secretariat – an administrative department that provides staff support and assistance to the governor's office.
Undermine – To weaken or harm something gradually.
Unanimously – With everyone agreeing or having the same opinion.
Uphold – To support or maintain something, like a law or decision.
Uproar – A loud protest or strong public reaction to something.
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