A newly revised bill expanding the role of Indonesia’s military has triggered backlash from human rights groups, legal experts, and student protesters across the country, with critics warning it could signal a regression to the authoritarian practices of the past.
The amended law, known as the RUU TNI, was passed by the House of Representatives (DPR) on 20 March with unanimous backing from all eight political parties. The House is largely controlled by parties supporting President Prabowo Subianto, a former army general with ties to the country’s dictatorial past.
Supporters argue that these updates will enhance national security, but opponents fear they undermine democratic reforms achieved since the end of Suharto’s New Order era in 1998.
Below is a breakdown of what the RUU TNI entails, why it has sparked protests, and what implications it could have moving forward.
What does the RUU TNI change?
The bill introduces several amendments to Indonesia’s military laws, with the most contentious provisions including:
- Allowing active TNI officers to occupy civilian government positions: This reverses previous restrictions that required military personnel to retire before entering civil service roles. Critics argue this could blur the lines between military and civilian governance. The new law expands the number of institutions where military personnel can serve from 10 to 14, including the Attorney General’s Office and the Supreme Court. A new clause also grants the president the authority to appoint military personnel to other ministries as needed.
- Extending the retirement age for military personnel: The law increases the retirement age for officers, allowing for longer careers in the armed forces.
- Expanding military operations beyond war: The bill broadens the scope of the military’s role, allowing it to engage in non-combat activities such as counter-terrorism, disaster relief, and infrastructure development.
Why are people protesting?
The legislation has ignited protests in cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta, where demonstrators—including students and civil rights organizations—have called for its repeal.
Kurang ajar klen. Aksi demonstrasi tolak UU TNI diwarnai penculikan massa aksi di Gedung Negara Grahadi Surabaya#TolakRevisiUUTNI #TolakRUUTNI pic.twitter.com/Kc9ixUVRHq
— Julian Nainggolan (@njoto1965) March 24, 2025
Opponents argue that these changes risk weakening democratic institutions by giving the military greater influence over civilian affairs. Student groups, legal scholars, and human rights organizations have raised concerns that the policy could mark a return to the military’s dual function (dwifungsi), a doctrine that allowed the armed forces to wield significant political and economic power during Suharto’s rule.
Advocacy groups such as Imparsial and the Setara Institute warn that the amendments could erode civilian oversight and expand military influence beyond defense matters, a concern echoed by international observers.
Another major criticism of the law is the way it has been discussed: behind closed doors, with little public input and in a fast-tracked process. Pro-democracy activists discovered that lawmakers and government officials met in secret to discuss draft revisions at a five-star hotel in South Jakarta on 15 March, just days before the final vote.
Demonstrations in Jakarta and Yogyakarta have drawn thousands of participants, with students holding signs that read “TNI Back to the Barracks!” and “Reject Militarism!”
Critics warn that the military’s increased role in civilian governance could undermine the democratic progress Indonesia has made since the fall of Suharto in 1998.
Dominique Nicky Fahrizal, a researcher at Indonesia’s Centre for Strategic and International Studies, noted that “autocratic legalism will damage the foundations of constitutional democracy because it exploits loopholes in the construction of legal thought.”
Kuningan Jawa Barat
— Never (@neVerAl0nely) March 24, 2025
Senin 24.03.25
Tolak UU TNI dan RUU Polri pic.twitter.com/5hAKzL0H5c
What does the government say?
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, a former three-star army general, defended the new law, saying that lawmakers considered it properly and that it will make the military more effective.
In a speech after the parliament passed the bill into law, he said the amendments were necessary because “geopolitical changes and global technology require the military to transform to face conventional and non-conventional conflicts.”
What happens next?
Despite growing protests, the bill has already been signed into law, meaning legal challenges or further amendments would be required to alter its provisions.
Advocacy groups have vowed to continue pressuring lawmakers, while some legal experts suggest a judicial review could be pursued at the Constitutional Court.
