March 21, 2025
Jakarta – The House passed a controversial amendment to the Indonesian Army (TNI) law on Thursday, sparking major protests in several cities as critics fear the new law would undermine democracy and trigger the military's role in civilian affairs.
Over the past month, critics have condemned plans to amend the law, warning that such a move risked bringing the country back to a new autocratic order system led by former President Soeharto, when active-duty officers were able to hold civilian positions without resignation.
Despite widespread public opposition, the House is dominated by political parties that support the president Prabowo Subiantounanimously approve the amendment of the law At the plenary meeting Thursday morning.
House Speaker Puan Maharani, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI-P), is the only de facto opposition party, hitting the gavel twice in the plenary after asking lawmakers to pass the bill.
“We together with the government emphasize that the amendment remains based on democratic principles, civilian supremacy and human rights, which is consistent with national and international law,” Pu'an said.
The legislation amended the 2004 BN TNI law, a policy reform to the country's armed forces, aiming to regain the depths of the military in civil affairs during the Soeharto era. His strike in 1998 officially ended its long-term Dwifungsi (Dual Function) Military Doctrine.
The revised law increases the number of state agencies that can appoint military officials without early retirement, from 10 to 14.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the amendment, saying the amendment was necessary because “geopolitical changes and global military technology require the military to undergo transformation […] Facing conventional and non-conventional conflicts”.
“Indonesia must have a realistic defensive strategy in order to survive and bear the driving force for the continuous development that threatens the survival of the country,” he said. “We will never allow the Indonesian people to safeguard our country's sovereignty.”
Angry protest
Hours before the plenary session began, a group of students camped at the back door of the Senayan Legislative Complex to force lawmakers to avoid passing revisions that they fear would blur the lines between the military and civilian spheres.
By Thursday afternoon, the crowds protesting outside the Legislative Complex had grown to hundreds, with some banners saying “Abolish the TNI laws!”, “Return the army to the barracks!” and “Keep civilians first!”.
The student protester joined under the banner of the National Association of College Student Executive Institutions (BEM SI), representing the Student Association from the National University, vowed to continue protesting until the requirements were met: reversal of the revision and evacuation of all active military personnel from civilian positions.
As the evening approached, tensions intensified, with some protesters catching tires on fire and trying to force their roads through the home gates, a locked by security personnel since the plenary began. Protesters rocked the door and broke a window in the security post.
According to police, more than 5,000 military and police personnel with water cannons and tactical vehicles were deployed to secure the Senaña legislative complex. Security personnel also set up concrete fences to block the integrated gates on JL. Gatot sub-roto.
Protests have also erupted in several other cities, such as Rising Kata, Sarabaya in East Java, Makasar in South Sulawesi and Surakata in central Java. Protesters, composed of students and activists, gathered in key locations, calling on the government to revoke the revised TNI law.
No meaningful participation
Critics have slammed the accelerated and secretive nature of the legislative process, accusing the House of Representatives of undermining transparency and democratic practices in the drafting of the law, which should have involved meaningful public participation.
“Ironically, we are still asking the public to participate in decision-making in 2025; things we should already have,” Titi Anggraini, a legal expert at the University of Indonesia, said in a discussion on Wednesday.
The new TNI law passed around a letter from President Prabowo in February to the Legislature requesting amendments to the TNI law. The request has been increasingly focused on militarism since the former general president trusted the army to handle several of his flagship plans.
Last weekend, lawmakers and government officials held an unplanned, closed-door deliberation at a luxury hotel in Jakarta, and also under review of the revised ones. Human rights activists attacked the meeting, calling on lawmakers to stop deliberations, but were forcibly removed from office by security personnel.
“President Prabowo appears to intend to restore the role of TNI in civilian affairs, which has long been characterized by widespread abuse and impunity,” said Andreas Harsono, senior researcher at Indonesia Human Rights Watch (HRW).
“The government’s rush to adopt these amendments has weakened its express commitment to human rights and accountability.” ((GMB)
