The parliament of Indonesia passed a controversial amendment to the nation’s military law on Thursday, enabling serving military personnel to occupy additional civilian positions. The action has stirred alarm among human rights organizations and activists, who worry that it may contribute to the revival of the military’s role in the government, recalling the period of authoritarian rule by former President Suharto.
Concerns Over Return to Military Influence in Civilian Affairs
Under Suharto’s regime, which was overthrown in 1998, the military-controlled government. The newest revisions have raised concerns that Indonesia, the third-largest democracy in the world, is reverting towards military control. The critics complain that the changes reverse democratic gains and may result in human rights abuses and lack of accountability.
President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, is a former general of the special forces and ex-son-in-law of Suharto. He has widened the scope of military roles in civilian life since taking office last October with a flagship initiative of offering free lunches to schoolchildren. The amendments further enlarged the scope of civilian jobs for the military to fill, drawing criticism over increasing military control of government.
Parliament Supports the Law as Necessary for National Security
The bill was still contentious, but it was approved by the parliament of Indonesia unanimously. Parliament Speaker Puan Maharani said that the bill is consistent with democratic ideals and human rights. Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas rejected accusations that the law marked a reversal of military dominance. He explained that the amendment was necessary because of domestic and geopolitical threats that require a more dominant military role in civilian matters.
Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, when justifying the amended law in parliament, said, “The geopolitical changes and global military technology require the military to transform… to face conventional and nonconventional conflicts.” He reassured the people, “We will never disappoint the Indonesians in keeping our sovereignty,” but did not explain the geopolitical threats that the law is intended to counter.
Increase of Civilian Functions and Retirement Age for Officers
Before the amendment, active military officers were only allowed to occupy posts in institutions like the Defense Ministry and the State Intelligence Service. The new law greatly broadens these provisions, enabling officers to assume positions in the attorney general’s office, the state secretariat, the counterterrorism agency, and the narcotics agency. The law also raises the retirement age for military officers, which could extend their stay in government affairs.
Rights groups have vehemently criticized these reforms, cautioning that the expanded role of the military in civilian government may lead to abuses. Activists are concerned that the law will enable officers to act with impunity, excluding civilians from oversight and accountability.
In reaction to the criticism, government officials have sought to assuage fears by saying that military officers have to resign before taking up some civilian positions, including in the Attorney General’s Office. Legislators have also made it clear that military personnel will not be permitted to join state-owned enterprises to avoid excessive military participation in business.
Despite these assurances, protests have broken out throughout Jakarta. Student organizations and democracy activists have held protests outside the parliament building, calling for the government to pull military officers out of civilian positions. Some protesters spent the night outside the parliament’s rear gate before the bill was passed. Police tried to disperse them, but they refused to move. Despite the small number of protesters during the vote, security forces deployed troops in addition to police to the parliamentary compound.
Future Implications of the New Military Legislation
The passage of this legislation is a fundamental transformation of Indonesia’s system of government, with deep implications for relations between civilians and the military. Although the government argues that the amendments are critical to national security, critics claim they risk destroying democratic institutions and increasing the prospect of military abuse. As demonstrations continue and widespread opposition is evident, the implementation and ramifications of this legislation will probably remain in close examination over the next few months.
