On 20 January, Indonesia’s parliament passed a controversial law proposing revisions to existing military legislation. The law has ignited public unrest and led to demonstrations across the country.
Key Amendments:
- Expanded the role of the Indonesian National Armed Forces to a wider range of civilian posts.
- Extended the retirement age for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers.
- Granted new military authorities for non-war operations, such as combating cyber threats and protecting Indonesian interests abroad.
One of the most contested amendments is the expansion of military involvement in civilian government posts, including the Attorney General’s Office, the State Secretariat, and anti-terrorism and narcotics agencies. Critics fear a return to the “Dual Function” (Dwifungsi) era, during which democratic processes were undermined. Civil society groups are increasingly concerned about the potential erosion of democratic reforms and the suppression of political dissent. The swift passage of the bill, without extensive public consultation, has sparked significant public concern. Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto, a former general and son-in-law of Suharto (Indonesia’s former dictator), has pushed for greater military involvement in civilian programs, further escalating tensions in the country.
The Indonesian government argues that these reforms are strategic measures to address emerging geopolitical and technological challenges. It claims that military modernization is necessary to combat new threats such as cyber warfare and non-conventional conflicts. Additionally, it contends that the military’s structured approach and efficiency can facilitate the swift execution of public service initiatives, particularly within state-owned enterprises.
However, the process and speed with which these reforms were implemented have significantly undermined public trust. The amendments reflect a broader trend of increasing militarization in civilian governance—an issue that requires close monitoring.
Is Indonesian democracy under threat? Does a strong state necessarily require a stronger military role in civil governance?
Disclaimer: This article has reference to expert opinions and open sources including the BBC, Reuters, and the Guardian.
MitKat’s AI powered risk intelligence platform, datasurfr continuously monitors global risk events. Book a demo today at www.datasurfr.ai