In brief
Indonesia’s Parliament has taken a bold step by passing a controversial bill that permits military officers to assume expanded roles in civilian government. This overhaul, backed by President Prabowo Subianto's allies, is raising fears of returning to the nation’s authoritarian past, which was marked by the rule of former dictator Suharto.
The legislation, approved unanimously, comes amid widespread protests from students and civil society groups who fear a loss of democracy. Previously, a law enacted in 2004 limited military involvement in politics. Critics argue that the new changes endanger freedoms and centralize power.Students rallied outside Parliament, demanding that military officials retreat to their barracks while civil rights advocates criticized the lack of consultation in the legislative process. Leaders, including Puan Maharani, the House speaker, claimed the revisions adhere to “democratic values,” but many remain unconvinced.Experts fear that under this new law, Indonesia's political landscape may shift toward authoritarianism, echoing past struggles for human rights and civic engagement.
