M. Rizki Yusrial, Jakarta – The Indonesian Women's Alliance staged a protest in front of the Pancasila Gate of the House of Representatives building, Senayan, Jakarta, on Thursday, March 20, 2025, opposing the newly passed revision of Law Number 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
Fifa, the demonstration's spokesperson, urged lawmakers to revoke the amendment, arguing that military involvement in civilian affairs could deepen collective trauma among women.
She cited historical examples, including the suppression of the Indonesian Women's Movement and the killing of female labor activist Marsinah, as evidence of military-linked violence against women.
"From before the New Order era to the reform era, women in the movement have suffered deeply. Even though many of us here are young, the trauma remains ingrained in our collective memory," she stated in her speech.
Tempo's on-site observations revealed dozens of protesters holding banners with their demands. Fifa also criticized parliament's legislative priorities, questioning why the Military Law was fast-tracked while the Domestic Worker Protection Bill, long championed by women's rights groups, remains stalled after two decades.
"The Domestic Worker Protection Law has been in the works for nearly 20 years and is still unresolved, yet the Military Law was rushed through and passed in no time," she said.
During the plenary session, Speaker of the House Puan Maharani struck the gavel to formalize the approval of the bill. "We now seek the factions' agreement to enact the amendment to Law Number 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces," she declared.
Lawmakers responded with a collective, "Agree," followed by Puan's gavel confirming the decision.
Chairman of Commission I, Utut Adianto, explained that the Military Law discussions began on February 18, 2025, after the House received a letter from President Prabowo Subianto appointing government representatives for the deliberations. The leadership then forwarded the matter to Commission I, which held an internal meeting on February 27 to form a working committee comprising 23 members.
"The four commissions under Commission I have held a series of meetings with stakeholders and actively engaged the public as part of meaningful participation," Utut stated during the 15th plenary session at the House of Representatives.
– Hammam Izzuddin contributed to the writing of this article.