Key Takeaways:

• Indonesia's parliament has approved contentious amendments to the military law, intensifying military involvement in civilian governance.
• Human rights and democracy advocates warn the changes could signal a return to authoritarianism reminiscent of Suharto's regime.
• Protests erupted in major cities, as critics voice their opposition to increased military influence and potential human rights abuses.

Indonesia's parliament has ratified contentious revisions to the Indonesian Military (TNI) Law, which will enable military personnel to assume more civilian roles in government. Despite significant opposition from civil society groups and widespread public protests, the amendments passed with a unanimous vote in a plenary session on March 20, 2025.

Critics argue that this new legislation may undermine the democratic framework established after the fall of President Suharto's repressive regime. Activists express concern that allowing military officers to serve in civilian posts could revive the dual-function model that characterized the New Order era, where military influence over civil affairs was profound. This legislation facilitates military officers' ability to take on civilian roles without resigning from the armed forces, further blending military and governance.

House Speaker Puan Maharani maintained that the amendments align with democratic principles and claimed they support civil supremacy and human rights. However, many democracy activists argue that this contradicts the spirit of reforms aimed at reducing military influence, fears of military abuse of power, and growing political impunity for military personnel.

Defending the amendments, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized the necessity of the military's enhanced role to confront "conventional and non-conventional conflicts." The revisions expand permissible civil roles for military personnel from ten to fourteen governmental institutions.

In light of the law's passage, protests erupted in various cities, including Jakarta, where demonstrators rallied against what they saw as a regression towards authoritarianism. The protesters called for the military to be removed from governmental roles, expressing sentiments of "New Order Strikes Back," suggesting an alarming return to an era of repression.

The government’s approach to the legislation has been criticized for its lack of public engagement and transparency, with many lawmakers meeting confidentially behind closed doors, leading to allegations of “autocratic legalism.” Observers suggest that the rapid passage of the law could galvanize further unrest among the populace concerned about the erosion of democratic institutions in a country long influenced by its military.

For more detailed reports on this developing situation, visit Al Jazeera or India Times.