The Indonesian Parliament has unanimously approved a controversial amendment to a law that increases civilian roles for military officers. This move has sparked student protests and raised concerns about the curtailing of freedoms in the third-largest democracy globally. Presidential allies, including former general Prabowo Subianto, who won the election last year, have pushed for these changes. Critics fear this might herald a return to a more authoritarian era, reminiscent of Indonesia’s past. Military officers may now fill more civilian positions, including those in the attorney general’s office, reflecting the expansion of the military’s influence even beyond the government’s existing school lunch program. Despite reassurances from parliamentary and defense officials about the amendments remaining aligned with democratic values, rights activists denounce the lack of consultation with civil society. As of the latest reports, a petition opposing the changes has garnered significant support, with coalition groups gathering over 12,000 signatures. This lamentable turn of events underscores deepening concerns among those advocating for democracy.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/20/world/asia/indonesia-military-law.html