Jakarta: On Thursday ( Mar 20 ), Indonesia’s parliament approved contentious revisions to the military bill, which will grant more civilian posts to military officers. Protests are expected to take place against the changes, as are protests planned.
Civil society organizations have criticized the Bill, saying it could bring the third-largest democracy in the world again to the bloody” New Order” period of former strongman President Suharto, during which military officers predominated human affairs.
In a full council, Speaker Puan Maharani led the majority decision, which was actually approved, citing the fact that it complied with the democratic and human rights principles.
President Prabowo Subianto, who took office in October and served under Suharto as a special forces commander, has expanded the armed forces ‘ role into what are regarded as civilian areas, including his flagship program of free lunches for children.
The increased military participation has been criticized by rights organizations because they fear it will lead to human rights violations, abuses of power, and impunity for behavior.
According to the government, officers are required to leave the military before taking on civil positions in organizations like the attorney’s standard office and the state secretariat.
To address issues about the military’s involvement in business, a senator has ruled that officials cannot work for state-owned companies.
In Jakarta, activists from various student organizations and individuals have declared they will stage a demonstration there.