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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Kate Lamb

Indonesia passes controversial law allowing greater military role in government

Indonesian Special Forces personnel march during anniversary celebrations at the National Monument complex in Jakarta, Indonesia, October 5, 2024.
Indonesia’s law minister has denied the law change was a return to the military dominance that characterised the Suharto dictatorship, saying it was necessary due to domestic and geopolitical challenges. Photograph: Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana/Reuters

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.

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