Indonesia Passes Bill Allowing Military in More Govt Roles

Indonesia's parliament on Thursday amended a law to allow members of the military to hold more government roles, despite criticisms it would expand the armed forces' role in civilian affairs.

- Agence France-Presse

JAKARTA:

The revision to the armed forces law, pushed mainly by President Prabowo Subianto's coalition, was aimed at expanding the military's role beyond defence in a country long influenced by its powerful armed forces.

The amendment has sparked fears of a return to the era of late dictator Suharto, who ex-general Prabowo once served and who used military figures to crack down on dissent.