|
Activists clash with Indonesian Police officers as water cannons are used during a protest against the military law revision on March 24, 2025 in Surabaya, Indonesia. On March 20, Indonesia's House of Representatives passed a revision to military law, allowing military officers to serve in more government posts and take up civilian positions without resigning from the Indonesian National Armed Forces. This amendment has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who warn it could signal a return to the repressive New Order era under former President Soeharto, when military officers dominated civilian affairs.Critics argue that this change could lead to abuse of power, human rights violations, and political impunity for army personnel, reminiscent of the era under dictator Suharto, who stepped down in 1998. The timing is particularly significant as Indonesia is now led by President Prabowo Subianto, an ex-special forces general and former son-in-law of Suharto, who was inaugurated in October 2024. (Photo by Robertus Pudyanto/Getty Images)
|
