Indonesia's new military law expands the military's role in civilian government, raising concerns about potential abuses of power and a return to authoritarian practices.

Indonesia's parliament has approved revisions to the nation's military law, a move that critics argue could expand the military's influence in civilian life.

The newly passed legislation permits military personnel to hold positions in 14 branches of government, including roles in disaster mitigation and the attorney general's office. Previously, military members were limited to serving in 10 government agencies. If they wished to hold civilian positions outside these designated agencies, they had to resign or retire from military service.

The changes were strongly backed by Indonesia's president, Prabowo Subianto, a former military general who served under the authoritarian regime of Suharto. Suharto's rule, from the mid-1960s to 1998, was marked by severe repression, including the mass killings of over one million people between 1965 and 1966. His "New Order" regime also oversaw a brutal genocide in East Timor.

Defending the amendments, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin emphasized the need for the military to adapt to "geopolitical changes and global military technology" to effectively address both conventional and unconventional threats. "We will never disappoint the Indonesians in keeping our sovereignty," Sjamsoeddin stated.

According to the government, the revised law includes provisions requiring officers to resign from the military before assuming civilian roles in certain departments, such as the Attorney General's Office. However, many remain skeptical of these assurances.

Critics fear that the expanded military presence in civilian spheres could signal a return to the authoritarian practices of the Suharto era. Civil society organizations worry that increased military involvement may lead to abuses of power, human rights violations, and reduced accountability.

The bill's passage sparked protests from students and other concerned groups outside the parliament. When police efforts to disperse the demonstrators failed, the military was called in to assist, a move that many saw as a troubling reflection of the law's potential consequences.