Indonesia – Widespread protests in Indonesia erupted across the country in response to the government's controversial revision of the 2004 Indonesian Armed Forces Law. Student-led demonstrations in various cities have been met with forceful responses from security forces, raising serious concerns about police violence, the stifling of civil society participation, and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Indonesia.
The proposed amendments to the law, which were ratified by Indonesia's House of Representatives in March 2025, significantly expand the military's role in civilian governance. These revisions allow active military personnel to occupy key positions in government ministries, the judiciary, and other civilian institutions, a move that activists argue undermines the country's young democracy. Furthermore, the changes include a shift towards a more significant military influence on civilian affairs, which critics claim is reminiscent of Indonesia's authoritarian past under the "New Order" regime of former dictator Suharto.
Protests against the law have been widespread, with students leading the charge in cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Malang, and Sukabumi. Many protesters have taken to the streets dressed in black, with banners reading "Return the military to the barracks" and "Watch out! New 'New Order' is right before our eyes." Activists argue that the amendments are a direct threat to the progress Indonesia has made since the fall of Suharto's military dictatorship in 1998. Human Rights Watch senior researcher Andreas Harsono voiced concerns that the law's passage without proper public consultation further signals a regression in Indonesia's democratic trajectory.
The protests, while largely peaceful, have been met with violent responses from security forces. In Malang, East Java, clashes broke out when police deployed riot squads and water cannons to disperse crowds. Several students were injured, and at least eight journalists were reportedly assaulted while documenting the protests. Similar scenes unfolded in other cities, with police using force to break up demonstrations, leading to injuries, detentions, and allegations of human rights abuses (see video below, source: Instagram). Notably, in Sukabumi, police detained several students and accused them of instigating violence.
Beyond physical violence, there have been instances of intimidation aimed at protest leaders. In Yogyakarta, a threatening banner was placed near a university campus, targeting one of the student leaders. This intimidation, both physical and digital, signals an alarming trend of suppressing dissent and limiting space for civil society to engage in political processes.
One of the most pressing concerns raised by activists is the government's failure to adequately consult with the public or allow space for meaningful civil society participation in the amendment process. Critics argue that the law was rushed through parliament without sufficient debate, and that the military's increasing involvement in civilian affairs will undermine Indonesia's democratic foundations. Furthermore, the law could open the door to greater military influence in sectors unrelated to defense, including business and governance, echoing the tactics used during the New Order era.
While the government, including Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, insists that the reforms are necessary to adapt to changing global military dynamics, activists and students argue that these changes endanger fundamental democratic principles. They fear the expansion of the military's role in civilian governance may reduce the space for free expression, undermine civilian supremacy, and set back the country's progress toward democracy.
The Indonesian government's handling of the crisis – especially its treatment of protesters and the military's expanding role in government – poses a significant challenge to the nation's democracy. The events of recent weeks underscore the urgent need for reform, transparency, and respect for human rights, particularly in the context of any changes to laws that impact the nation's future governance. Following the hasty amendment oft he law and the increasing role of the military in civlian matters, there is a urgent need to also revise Military Court Law 31/1997, so that TNI members can be tried in civilian courts if they are accuse of having committed violent acts against civilian victims.