The world’s third largest democratic activist warns that changes in law could indicate a return to military rule.
Indonesia’s parliament has ratified a controversial law that allows military members to take on more government roles despite criticism that it could expand the role of the military in civilian issues.
The revision of the military law, promoted by the Prabobo Suboant Union on Thursday, aims to expand the powers of the military in countries affected by its powerful military.
The amendment has been criticized by civil society groups who say that it could bring Indonesia back to the former president’s Draconian era when military officers ruled civilian issues.
Rights groups have criticised the move to boost military involvement in official duties because they fear it could lead to power abuse, human rights violations and political immunity against Army personnel.
Protesters from several democratic groups have said they will be performing demonstrations in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital. On Wednesday evening, a small number of students camped at the back door of a council building to protest the law. They were later rejected.
President Subaind, who took office last October and commander of the Special Forces under Sohard, has expanded the role of the military to what was considered civilian territory, including the flagship program for free meals for children.
Laws designed to address “non-traditional conflicts”
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said that revisions are needed because “geopolitical change and global military technology need to transform the military, and therefore traditional non-traditional conflicts are needed.”
In previous versions of the military law, officers could serve in up to 10 government agencies. The revised law now allows military officers to serve in 14 state facilities.
In addition to expanding the scope of private posts that officers can hold, including the Attorney General’s Office, the state office and counterterrorism agencies, the new law also extends the age of retirement for sitting officers.
“President Prabobo appears to be intended to restore the role of the Indonesian military in civilian affairs, which has long been characterized by widespread abuse and immunity,” Andreas Halson, senior Indonesian researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement.
“The rush of governments to adopt these amendments undermines the expressed commitment to human rights and accountability,” he added.
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