Indonesia begins debate on allowing soldiers to take civilian posts

Introduction: Expanding Military Influence in Indonesia’s Civilian Sphere

Indonesia’s government, under President Prabowo Subianto, has introduced a revised version of a contentious bill that aims to allow the appointment of military personnel to civilian posts. This move has sparked significant debate, as it raises concerns about the growing influence of the military in a country that has worked hard to move away from its authoritarian past. The proposed legislation, presented to a parliamentary committee on Tuesday, March 11, comes after a landslide election victory for Prabowo, a former military officer, who has quickly expanded the armed forces’ role in the country. This development has caused alarm among activists, students, and citizens who fear a return to the Suharto-era doctrine of "dwifungsi," or the dual function of the military, which allowed the armed forces to dominate public life and suppress dissent.

A Watered-Down Version of the Bill

In an effort to address concerns, the revised draft of the bill includes a key proviso: military personnel appointed to civilian positions must first resign from active service. Indonesia’s Defence Minister, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, explained this change after the first hearing on the legislation by a parliamentary commission. "Any military officer to be assigned in a ministry or state agency must retire," Sjafrie said. "We could only propose them to (be assigned) in a ministry or state agency after the retirement." This modification is a significant departure from the original draft, which would have allowed active-duty military officers to be appointed to civilian posts without requiring them to leave the armed forces. The change is seen as an attempt to placate critics who argue that the original proposal would have given the military undue influence over civilian institutions.

The Original Proposal and Its Controversy

The original draft of the legislation, proposed earlier this year, would have granted President Prabowo Subianto the authority to appoint active military officers to various positions within the government. This provision caused widespread concern among activists and students, who feared that it would mark a return to the "dwifungsi" doctrine of the Suharto era. During Suharto’s rule, the military was not only responsible for national defense but also played a dominant role in politics, economics, and social affairs. This dual function allowed the military to crush dissent and maintain control over public life, leading to widespread human rights abuses and the suppression of political opposition. The original draft of the legislation was seen as a step backward for Indonesia’s democracy, which has made significant progress in reducing the military’s role in civilian affairs since the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998.

The Revised Bill: A Step in the Right Direction?

The revised bill, which requires military personnel to resign from active service before taking up civilian posts, has been presented as a compromise. Lawmaker TB Hasanuddin, a member of Indonesia’s largest party, noted that the previous draft would have allowed Prabowo to appoint active officers anywhere in the government, which was a cause for concern. The revised version, by requiring military personnel to retire before taking on civilian roles, aims to reduce the direct influence of the military on the government. However, critics argue that this change does not fully address the underlying issue of military involvement in civilian affairs. They point out that even if military personnel resign from active service before taking on civilian roles, their background and training may still influence their decisions and actions in their new positions.

Implications for Indonesia’s Democracy

The debate over the legislation highlights broader concerns about the direction of Indonesia’s democracy under President Prabowo Subianto. Since taking office after a landslide election victory last year, Prabowo has moved quickly to expand the role of the military in various sectors, including education, law enforcement, and even the economy. While the government argues that the military’s involvement is necessary to maintain stability and security, critics fear that this trend could undermine the progress Indonesia has made in reducing the military’s influence over civilian life. The revised bill, while less controversial than the original draft, still raises questions about the balance between military and civilian roles in a democratic society.

Conclusion: A Delicate Balance

The introduction of the revised legislation in Indonesia has sparked a necessary debate about the role of the military in a democratic society. While the government argues that the revised bill addresses concerns about the military’s influence, critics remain wary of the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civilian oversight. The legislation serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between security and democracy, and the need for transparency and accountability in governance. As Indonesia continues to navigate this complex issue, the outcome of the parliamentary hearings and the final version of the bill will be closely watched, both within the country and internationally, as a gauge of the health of its democracy.