Indonesia's Controversial Military Law Expansion Raises Concerns of Authoritarianism

Indonesia Passes Controversial Military Law

Indonesia's Parliament has unanimously passed a controversial revision of its military law, allowing military officers to serve in more government posts without resigning from the armed forces. The move has sparked concerns among pro-democracy and rights groups who see it as a threat to the country's young democracy.

The new law, which was passed on March 20, 2025, will allow active officers to take civilian positions in four more bodies, including the Attorney General's Office, the Supreme Court, and the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs. Currently, military personnel are only permitted to serve in 10 ministries and state institutions.

The revision has raised concerns that it could lead to a return of the "dual function" of the armed services, which existed during the era of dictator Suharto. At that time, seats in the legislature were reserved for the military, and officers occupied thousands of civilian roles.

Pro-democracy activists and students fear that expanding the military's role in civilian affairs could undermine the reforms that followed the end of Suharto's rule in 1998. They argue that the law was passed without sufficient public input and in a fast-tracked process.

Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the new law, saying that it will make the military more effective in facing contemporary challenges. He argued that the amendments were necessary due to geopolitical changes and global technology.

However, critics remain concerned that the law could lead to a more authoritarian system and undermine Indonesia's democratic progress. They are calling for greater transparency and public participation in future revisions of the military law.