Source: The Guardian [UK]
“Indonesia has ratified controversial changes to its military law allowing armed forces personnel to hold more civilian posts, a move that analysts fear could usher in a resurgence of the military in government affairs. Activists in the world’s third-largest democracy have criticised the revisions, warning they signal a return to Indonesia’s ‘New Order’ era, when the country was led by former authoritarian ruler Suharto, who stepped down in 1998. The country is now led by President Prabowo Subianto, an ex-special forces general and former Suharto son-in-law, who was inaugurated in October. Indonesia’s law minister, Supratman Andi Agtas, has denied the law was a return to the military dominance that characterised the Suharto dictatorship, saying instead it was necessary due to domestic and geopolitical challenges.” (03/20/25)