Indonesia has ratified changes to its military law, allowing armed forces personnel to hold more civilian positions. This move has raised concerns among analysts that the military could regain significant influence in government affairs.

Activists in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, criticize the revisions, suggesting they indicate a potential return to the authoritarian era of former President Suharto. President Prabowo Subianto, an ex-special forces general and former Suharto son-in-law, now leads the country.

Indonesia’s Law Minister, Supratman Andi Agtas, denies that the law represents a return to military dominance. He argues it is a necessary step to address domestic and geopolitical challenges. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasizes that geopolitical shifts and advancements in global military technology require the military to adapt to face both conventional and non-conventional conflicts.

Under the revised law, active soldiers will have broader access to civilian positions across various agencies. The changes also extend the retirement age for serving officers. The parliament, dominated by Prabowo’s ruling coalition, approved these amendments, with Speaker Puan Maharani insisting that they align with democratic and human rights principles.

Human Rights Watch’s Andreas Harsono highlights concerns that President Prabowo seems to be revisiting the Indonesian military’s history of abuses and impunity. Kennedy Muslim, a political analyst, acknowledges a trend of increasing militarization but differs on the significant return to the Suharto era.

The expedited lawmaking process and the secrecy surrounding deliberations have sparked criticism among activists, who plan to protest this perceived threat to democracy.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/indonesia-passes-controversial-law-allowing-greater-military-role-in-government