Indonesia Passes Controversial Law Expanding Military's Role in Governance

Critics Say Move a Threat to Democracy, Raises Spectre of Authoritarian Rule

- Arlina Arshad

Indonesia has passed a controversial law expanding the military's role in governance, a move critics warn threatens democracy and revives the spectre of authoritarian rule under former president Suharto.

The revised Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) law of 2004 allows active military officers to take up key civilian positions without first retiring or resigning from service.

Previously, they could only serve in 10 government institutions, mainly those related to security and defence, including the State Intelligence Agency and the National Search and Rescue Agency.

The amendments increased this to 14 and included the Attorney General's Office and the National Counter-terrorism Agency.

The changes also extended the retirement age of officers, allowing enlisted and non-commissioned officers to serve until 55 years, and junior and senior commissioned officers until 58. The highest-ranking four-star generals can serve until they are 63, with a possible extension to 65, subject to a presidential decree.

The controversial revision was passed on March 20 during a plenary session of the House of Representatives, dominated by parties backing President Prabowo Subianto.

The move has revived memories of the TNI's political dominance under Mr Suharto's New Order regime, where military officers held key government positions under the "dwifungsi" or dual-function doctrine, allowing them to control governance and suppress opposition. This practice was abolished under the 1998 reforms.

Since March 19, students and rights activists have protested in several Indonesian cities, including the capital Jakarta, urging Mr Prabowo to delay the law's implementation and consult with civil society groups to address their concerns.