The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) on March 20 officially approved amendments to Law No. 34 of 2004 concerning the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). The passing of these amendments, the Jakarta Globe reports, took place despite facing widespread criticism and opposition from around the nation: key concerns of which include the lack of public involvement and fears of a return to the military’s former dual-function in civilian affairs.

Old proposal revived

Plans to amend the TNI Law have been discussed since the 2019–2024 parliamentary period, Kompas reports. At that time, Commission I of the DPR proposed several changes, including allowing active-duty military personnel to hold positions in civilian institutions. However, discussions frequently stalled due to concerns that the revisions could pave the way for the return of military dual-functions, reminiscent of the ‘New Order’ era.

Another controversial proposal sought to lift the ban on TNI members engaging in business. Critics argued that such a move could undermine the professionalism of the country’s defence institution. Due to these issues, the 2019–2024 DPR failed to finalise a revision to the law prior to their term ending, leaving the matter to be taken up by the 2024–2029 parliament.

Swift deliberation leads to public criticism

As a result, at the start of 2025, the revised TNI Law was included in the Priority National Legislative Programme (Prolegnas). This decision was made during a plenary session on February 18, chaired by DPR Deputy Speaker Adies Kadir who confirmed that the president had sent a letter appointing government representatives to discuss the amendments.

By March 2025, Commission I of the DPR held public hearings to gather input from various stakeholders, including the Indonesian Veterans Association (PP ABRI) on March 10. These discussions continued in a joint meeting with the government on March 13, attended by Minister of Defence Sjafrie Sjafruddin, who aimed to complete the revision before parliament went into recess.

The following day, TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto and Chiefs of Staff of the Army, Navy, and Air Force presented their views to Commission I. Agus emphasised that despite the regulatory changes, the principle of civilian supremacy remained fundamental to Indonesia’s democracy.

Then, despite increasingly widespread criticism, deliberations continued. The DPR and government even held closed-door meetings in Jakarta’s Fairmont Hotel for two days, with the Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform, when learning of the meetings subsequently calling for the discussions to be halted. Their demands were ignored.

DPR approval

Later, on March 17, the DPR’s Drafting and Synchronisation Teams compiled the final draft of the law, which was then reported in a working committee meeting the following day. Without delay, the DPR and the government held a Level I plenary session to finalise the bill before presenting it in the general plenary meeting.

During the plenary session, Commission I Chair Utut Adianto stated that all legislative steps had been completed, including the receipt of the president’s letter, discussions in Commission I, and consultations with various parties, including the TNI Commander and the Chiefs of Staff. 

All parliamentary factions within Commission I agreed to move the bill forward to the final plenary session. When put to a vote, all attending members unanimously approved the bill’s ratification.

Provisions in the amendment:

• Extended retirement age for TNI personnel:

• Non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel retire at 55.

• Officers up to colonel rank retire at 58.

• One-star generals retire at 60, two-star generals at 61, and three-star generals at 62.

• Four-star generals retire at 63, with the possibility of two extensions by the president.

• Expanded civilian roles for active-duty military personnel

The number of ministries and agencies open to military personnel increases from 10 to 15, adding the Border Management Agency, Maritime Security Agency, Disaster Management Agency, Counter-Terrorism Agency, and the Attorney General’s Office.

Broader military involvement in non-war operations:

• TNI is now tasked with handling cyber threats and conducting rescue operations for Indonesian nationals and national interests abroad.

• With the ratification of the revised law, concerns persist over its impact on democracy and civilian supremacy in Indonesia.

Protests

Despite widespread opposition, the DPR formally ratified the TNI Law revision in a plenary session on March 20, BBC Indonesia reported at the time. Pro-democracy activists and university students staged demonstrations across multiple cities in protest against the decision.

By nightfall, crowds remained outside the DPR building in Jakarta. At around 7:00 PM some protesters breached the perimeter fence, repeating calls for a “Revolution.” One demonstrator asserted that the struggle would not end with the law’s ratification and hinted at a potential judicial review challenge.

Human rights activist ‘Wilson’ condemned the DPR’s decision, stating that it marked a significant setback for democracy. He argued that the military should not be involved in politics or hold civilian positions, but instead should focus solely on national defence.

During the plenary session, all DPR factions endorsed the bill’s passage. Speaker Puan Maharani formally posed the approval question, to which members responded with unanimous agreement. Meanwhile, protesters outside the DPR complex erected tents and unfurled banners rejecting the revisions.

Soon after, protests erupted in major cities such as Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang, Surabaya, and Makassar. In Bandung, hundreds of students dressed in black chanted slogans opposing the bill, voicing concerns over the resurgence of militarism that threatens freedom of expression and democracy in Indonesia.

In the capital, Jakarta, demonstrations turned violent after dark, with some protesters tearing down the DPR building’s fence and clashing with police leading to injuries requiring hospitalisation. 

Journalists also faced intimidation, with Tempo’s office reportedly targeted in an act of terror given that it involved the delivery of a severed pig’s head. 

This decision, deemed hasty, and the repressive measures surrounding the law’s ratification have sparked widespread anxiety across Indonesia and have only served to revive memories of the authoritarian ‘New Order’ era of 1966 to 1998 under former President Suharto, especially on social media.