Hammam Izzuddin, Jakarta – Indonesian citizens staged a protest in front of the House of Representatives building on Jalan Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta, demanding the repeal of the TNI Law. The demonstration intensified as protesters climbed the front fence of the parliamentary complex, prompting the police to deploy water cannons to disperse the crowd.

The water cannon fire briefly scattered the demonstrators, but some responded by setting off fireworks. Near the gate, protesters also set fire to tires as an act of defiance.

In addition to opposing the TNI Law, the demonstrators also called for the cancellation of the proposed revision of the Police Law. "The revision of the Police Law is unnecessary," declared one of the speakers addressing the crowd.

The Civil Society Coalition had previously announced their plan to take to the streets again on Thursday, March 27, 2025, to protest against the TNI Law. This was confirmed by Usman Hamid, Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

"Militarism and oligarchy increasingly threaten our democracy. The revision of the TNI Law paves the way for the military to enter the civilian domain, contrary to the mandate of reform which emphasizes civilian supremacy," said Usman in his statement on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The passage of the TNI Law has sparked strong public opposition, with critics arguing that it reinstates the military's dual function by allowing TNI personnel to occupy civilian positions. As a form of resistance, civil society groups and students have taken to the streets in various regions.

In Jakarta, protests had already begun on the morning of the law's passage around the DPR building. Similar demonstrations with the same demands also took place in Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya.

Usman further stated that, in addition to demanding the repeal of the TNI Law, this protest also rejects the Draft Law on the Indonesian National Police (Police Bill). He warned that the proposed third amendment to Law Number 2 of 2002 could grant excessive authority, allowing the police to exert more control over civilians.

"The Police Bill has the potential to provide excessive authority that can strengthen the repressive control of the state," he asserted.

– Hanin Marwah contributed to the writing of this article.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1991304/police-deploy-water-cannons-as-tni-law-repeal-protest-heats-u