The revised law formally expands military involvement in civilian sectors like forestry and agriculture through new inter-agency partnerships. Critics argue this erodes Indonesia’s hard-won civilian democracy, established after Suharto’s authoritarian regime fell in 1998.

The human rights coalition presented seven demands, including immediate repeal of the law, protection for journalists, and United Nations monitoring of the situation. They warn current trends threaten Indonesia’s democratic progress ahead of 2029 elections.

International observers express growing concern. ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights called the developments “deeply alarming,” while UN special rapporteurs are monitoring potential rights violations.

With protests continuing nationwide, the standoff between civil society and military authorities shows no signs of abating.

The Freedom of Association Coalition – Riza Abdali (+62 857-7407-4105)

The coalition vows to maintain pressure, stating: “We will defend democratic rights against this authoritarian overreach.” (Uki Ruknuddin)

 

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