Indonesia Parliament Votes to Amend Military Law, Sparking Protests

Indonesia's parliament has unanimously passed revisions to the 2004 Armed Forces Law, allowing military officers to hold civilian positions, raising alarms about a potential return to authoritarian governance reminiscent of Suharto's regime. Critics, including pro-democracy activists, argue that the amendments could lead to human rights abuses and diminished military professionalism, as they extend retirement ages for senior officers and increase the number of civilian roles available to military personnel. Protests erupted in Jakarta, with demonstrators demanding the military's return to barracks and expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic principles. While Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin defended the revisions as necessary for modernizing the military, critics remain skeptical, fearing that these changes undermine the reforms established after the fall of Suharto in 1998. The government claims the amendments adhere to democratic principles and are necessary for national security, but significant public opposition persists.