Indonesia Passes Law Expanding Military's Role in Civilian Government

The revised law allows active-duty military personnel to hold more civilian posts, sparking concerns about democratic backsliding and human rights risks.

Indonesia's parliament unanimously approved revisions to the military law, increasing the number of civilian roles available to active-duty officers from 10 to 14.
The new law permits military personnel to serve in institutions like the Attorney General's Office and the counterterrorism agency, raising concerns of diminished civilian oversight.
Critics warn the changes could lead to human rights abuses and a return to authoritarian practices reminiscent of the Suharto era.
President Prabowo Subianto, a former special forces commander under Suharto, has been a key advocate for the law, citing geopolitical challenges as justification.
Protests by civil society groups and students continue, with activists decrying the expedited and secretive legislative process as undermining democratic principles.