Indonesia allows more govt roles for military
The revision to the armed forces law, pushed mainly by President Prabowo Subianto’s coalition, was aimed at expanding the military’s role beyond defence in a country long influenced by its powerful armed forces. Photo AFP
Indonesia's parliament on Thursday amended a law to allow members of the military to hold more government roles, despite criticisms it would expand the armed forces' role in civilian affairs.
The revision to the armed forces law, pushed mainly by President Prabowo Subianto's coalition, was aimed at expanding the military's role beyond defence in a country long influenced by its powerful armed forces.
The amendment has sparked fears of a return to the era of late dictator Suharto, who ex-general Prabowo once served and who used military figures to crack down on dissent.
"Now it's the time for us to ask the factions to approve the amendment... can we agree to legalise it into a law?" house speaker Puan Maharani asked the plenary session.
Lawmakers shouted "agree" and Puan banged the gavel, signifying the amendment had passed.