Revised Article:
Expanded military role boosts controversy within Indonesian governmental structure
Indonesia's contentious changes to military law have stirred up controversy, as they extend civil positions for military officials, sparking anticipated street demonstrations.
Critics, including civil society groups, have voiced their concerns, warning that these updates could drag the third-biggest democracy in the world back to the repressive "New Order" era ruled by the former strongman president, Suharto. In the era of Suharto, military officers heavily influenced civilian affairs.
During a unanimous vote led by Speaker Puan Maharani, the law was officially approved in a plenary council, with the speaker stating it aligned with democratic and human rights principles.
The passage of this bill was presided over by President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander under Suharto, who has been increasing the armed forces' influence over areas previously deemed civilian. His flagship program, offering free meals to children, is one example.
These expanded military roles have faced criticism from rights groups, who express fear of power abuses, human rights violations, and lack of accountability [1].
The government has attempted to alleviate these concerns by requiring military officers to resign from their posts before assuming roles in agencies such as the Attorney's General Office. Moreover, officers will be barred from joining state-owned companies [1].
Protestors from various democracy groups and students have stated they will rally in front of the parliamentary building in Jakarta. Some students camped outside the parliamentary building since Wednesday evening, voicing opposition to the law and demanding the removal of all military personnel from civilian jobs [1].
After removal attempts, the protesters refused to leave, as confirmed by an unnamed protestor speaking to Reuters. While the bill passed, there were only a few dozen protesters present. Military personnel were summoned to secure the parliamentary building alongside police.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the revised law, citing the need for the military to adapt to geopolitical changes and complex challenges. He did not specify which challenges he was referring to, but mentioned the necessity to maintain Indonesia's sovereignty, stating that the military would never disappoint its citizens [1].
Enrichment Data:
- Dual Function Concerns: Critics argue that increased military involvement in civilian governance risks reinstating the "dual function" concept, a legacy from Suharto's authoritarian rule, where the military played a dual role in both defense and civilian affairs [1].
- Human Rights Concerns: Human Rights Watch and several Indonesian rights groups have raised concerns over the possibility that the amendments will undermine legal checks on abusive officials, potentially leading to increased human rights violations [1].
- Appointment of Questionable Figures: The cabinet appointments of President Prabowo, which include former Special Forces officers implicated in human rights abuses, raise questions about the suitability of military personnel with questionable records to assume civilian roles [1]. Substantiate with numbers and specific examples when possible.
- Regional and Global Impact: The regional and global implications of the changing geopolitical landscape require Indonesia to evolve militarily and be prepared for both traditional and non-traditional threats.
- Despite the government's efforts to assuage concerns about the expanded roles of the military, world watchdogs like Human Rights Watch and local Indonesian rights groups remain apprehensive, fearing that the revisions could reintroduce the "dual function" concept, harking back to the New Order era.
- In response to the criticisms over its controversial military law revisions, the Indonesian government has allocated stipulations in the bill directing military officers to resign from their posts before taking up roles in agencies such as the Attorney General's Office, but concerns persist over the appointment of questionable figures, like President Prabowo's former Special Forces officers with Spotty human rights records, to civilian positions.
- As Indonesia moves forward with geopolitical changes, Asia, and the world will be closely watching the Indonesia-Asean region, as the military's increased involvement in civilian affairs, exemplified by President Prabowo's initiatives, may lead to human rights concerns and subsequent violations that could undermine regional stability and affect global perceptions of Indonesia's commitment to democratic and human rights principles.
