Activists in world’s third-largest democracy warn the legal changes signal a return to military dominance in civilian affairs that characterised Suharto yearsIndonesia has ratified controversial changes to its military law allowing armed forces personnel to hold more civilian posts, a move that analysts fear could usher in a resurgence of the military in government affairs.Activists in the world’s third-largest democracy have criticised the revisions, warning they signal a return to Indonesia’s “New Order” era, when the country was led by former authoritarian ruler Suharto, who stepped down in 1998. Continue reading...
Indonesia passed a controversial law expanding the military's role in government by allowing personnel to hold more civilian posts. Activists fear a return to military dominance reminiscent of the Suharto era, while the government defends the law as necessary for addressing domestic and geopolitical challenges. Student protests are planned, and human rights organizations criticize the move.
