In a call to action, Human Rights Watch and six Indonesian human rights organisations urge parliament to dismiss proposed amendments to the 2004 armed forces law, which threaten to broaden military influence over civilian governance. Set for discussion on March 20, 2025, before a legislative vote, these amendments have already gained the Defence and Security Commission’s approval.
The revisions allow the appointment of active-duty military personnel to civilian positions, including in the justice system and state-owned enterprises, reviving the controversial concept of “dwifungsi” from Indonesia’s authoritarian era under President Soeharto. President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo must be urged to stall these changes and engage with civil society to address their serious concerns.
Andreas Harsono, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, warns that President Prabowo’s intent to reinvigorate the military’s role in civilian affairs could lead to unchecked power and historical abuses resurfacing. The coalition highlighting these issues includes various prominent organisations such as KontraS and Imparsial.
Currently, military personnel must resign or retire before entering civilian roles, excluding a few key government positions. The proposed amendments would grant the President the ability to place military personnel in many more governmental areas, including the Attorney General’s Office. Dimas Bagus Arya Saputra from KontraS articulates that this rapid amendment process hints at restoring military dominance in governance.
In response to these proposed changes, Indonesia’s military leadership argues it’s necessary for contemporary governance yet fails to address the concerning legal implications it poses. A revised, sweeping reach into civilian activities by the military may lead to increased abuses of power, undermining democratic processes.
A coalition of 186 civil organisations has rallied against these amendments, highlighting that threats have been levied against members who voice their protests. With troubling figures in the cabinet associated with past atrocities, the potential for militaristic control over civil society raises alarms regarding human rights.
Ardi Manto Adiputra from Imparsial states that these amendments may legitimise the government appointments of officers with abusive pasts. Moreover, the existing military justice system, which often fails to prosecute military personnel for human rights violations, adds another layer of concern, especially for women’s rights groups.
Women’s organisations have a particular stake as the amendments could empower military authorities to handle cases of sexual violence and abuse within civilian contexts. Uli Arta Pangaribuan from the Indonesian Legal Aid Association for Women stresses the need for judicial neutrality, asserting that military oversight in violence cases against women could severely undermine access to justice.
Indonesia’s parliament is facing pressure to reject proposed amendments to the 2004 military law that aim to expand military roles in civilian governance. Despite warnings from Human Rights Watch, various organisations argue that these revisions could revive past abuses and weaken legal accountability. With civil society heavily opposing these amendments, concerns about military influence over justice and human rights are escalating, particularly regarding women’s rights.
In conclusion, the proposed amendments to Indonesia’s 2004 armed forces law pose a significant threat to civilian governance and human rights. With the ability for military personnel to hold civilian positions and the potential revival of the military’s dual function, these changes risk reinstating historical abuses. As voices from civil society heighten in opposition, the urgent inquiry remains: will Indonesia safeguard its democratic principles, or will it allow history to repeat itself?
Original Source: www.hrw.org
