Despite public protests, Indonesia's Parliament has approved a law allowing increased military presence in civilian roles, raising concerns about democratic erosion under President Prabowo Subianto's administration.
Indonesian Parliament's Controversial Law Reform Suggests Shift Toward Authoritarianism
Indonesian Parliament's Controversial Law Reform Suggests Shift Toward Authoritarianism
Recent legislative changes in Indonesia have revived fears of a return to military influence in governance, drawing parallels to the Suharto dictatorship era.
Indonesia's Parliament has made headlines by unanimously passing a polarizing reform to a law that will enhance military involvement in civilian government positions. This legislative shift, enacted amidst protests from students and civil society, has reignited anxiety about the potential regression of Indonesia’s democracy, the third-largest globally.
The amendments were championed by supporters of President Prabowo Subianto, a controversial figure with a history tied to the military dictatorship of Suharto. Critics argue that these changes symbolize a worrying return to authoritarianism. Last year, Prabowo was elected in a sweeping victory, backed by former president Joko Widodo, reigniting fears about his administration's handling of rights and freedoms.
If signed into law by Prabowo, the revisions will facilitate the appointment of military personnel to civilian posts, including in crucial areas such as the attorney general's office. This follows a trend where the military has increasingly stepped into civilian roles, demonstrated through its involvement in government programs, including the school lunch initiative.
Speaker of the House Puan Maharani defended the new law, claiming it upholds democratic values and human rights. Conversely, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin argued the amendments are essential for addressing evolving security challenges. Supporters of civil rights maintain that the changes undermine the 2004 law that curtailed military political interference.
As the bill passed, student protests erupted outside Parliament, with slogans demanding a return to military neutrality. Activists assert that public trust in institutions is waning, with power dynamics favoring a centralized and authoritarian approach. A coalition representing 12,000 dissenting voices has denounced the law, labeling it as a tool for military elites, which could diminish democratic governance in Indonesia.
