As the third largest democracy in the world, Indonesia has been appreciated for its bravery to fight against an autocratic regime led by President Soeharto in 1998. Its ‘people power’ movement has been seen as a trajectory for a new beginning in upholding human rights values in Indonesia. Successes were further granted, one was through the democratization of the three governmental pillars, which significantly reduced the role of active military forces in the legislative bodies and government institutions, prioritising civil supremacy. As this measure was further legitimised through the 2004 Military Bill, Indonesians proceeded to live without interventions from any parties from armed troops that would abuse their freedom of speech and human rights. Unfortunately, 27 years later, it is foreseeable that Indonesia’s democracy is set to instability and threat.
Background
On Thursday, the 20th of March 2025, the Indonesian parliament unanimously passed a revision on its military bill which allows the extension of the armed forces role in government institutions without having to withdraw themselves from its military position. Prior to this, a mass of civilians has oppressed the parliament to reject the law amendments as it does not comply with the reformation values. Through demonstrations led by university students and media mass, the advocacy to oppose regulations bringing ‘Dwifungsi TNI’ or ‘Dual-role of the military’ has lasted for weeks, nevertheless the parliament has carried on its law codification.
Reasons for new Military laws: What is at stake?
The amendment decision was initially derived from the presidential letter written by President Prabowo Subianto, Soeharto’s son-in-law on the 13th of February 2025 – which the parliament welcomed. The Indonesian Parliament has then put the military bill revision as a priority in their national legislation program list for the purpose of a secured bureaucratic system and advanced national defense.
Upon its approval, the revised bill extends the military roles in civilian positions in institutions affiliated to defense security (or require military involvement) without having to retire/resign from its military service. The pre-revised bill states that military personnel should only be eligible to serve in 10 ministries and institutions, but this has now been extended to 14, which includes the Attorney’s General Office, the Supreme Court and Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security affairs. It also grants presidential rights in assigning military staff to other ministries, alongside changing the minimum and retirement age in certain military positions.
Signs of democratic Deficit? Beginning of Indonesia's instability?
While MPs and ministers convinced the public that the bill would not bring back history on military dominations, these measures are nonetheless predicted to be the initial steps towards it. Since the promotion of Mayor Teddy Wijaya, the Secretary of Cabinet, as a Lieutenant Colonel in less than a year – public distrust towards Prabowo's governance grows particularly on the military dual-role matter. Essentially, the latter has a large potential to undermine and threaten civil supremacy, as the backbone of the nation’s executive and autonomy bureaucratic system that works best for domestic democracy.
The drafting process of the amendment also raises questions on the parliament’s transparency in its decision-making. On March 14-15, the 1st commission MP committees ran a private meeting at a five-star hotel with tight military tanks security guiding the process. Despite the mass public criticism of the lack of professionalism in parliamentary procedures and how the law is against people’s approval — the parliament did not change its stance on being pro-militia i.e. jeopardising public distrust against the government institutions and potentially bringing Indonesia to a democratic deficit.
Most law academicians identified this development as a backward move — as Indonesia fails to learn from
history i.e. electing president with failed or notorious records. Indonesians are concerned with the nation’s
conditions because of its actions that barely align with the rights and wellbeing of citizens—one of which is the aforementioned law. Of these reasons, it is also clear that Indonesia has officially entered a period of political instability, which has a crucial effect on its economy. This is unfortunately viable through the trading halt in the Indonesian Composite Index on the 18th of March, indicating confidence loss in the domestic market and Rupiah’s depreciation. It is also foreseeable that the Indonesian economy may fall into a crisis.
In resolving this political economic stability, the Indonesian government attempts to ensure economic stability through proper macroeconomic briefs and providing statements to the media to ensure the effectiveness of the military bill. However, for Indonesia to completely recover from the current situation, it is essential for the parliament and the executives to regain its public trust by: reflecting upon its policy measure benefits the public and ensuring the voice of the people are well heard and respected — this will best amplify democracy and restore trust.