New TNI law grants expanded powers and civil roles, sparking outrage and calls for repeal

Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR) has passed a controversial revision to the Military Law, triggering widespread demonstrations from students and pro-democracy groups who claim the legislation marks a return to militaristic governance and weakens civil supremacy.

The revised law—officially a change to Law No. 34 of 2004 on the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI)—was approved during a plenary session on March 20, 2025. Despite public outcry, all parliamentary factions backed the legislation, which expands the military’s domestic roles and authority.

Mass Demonstrations Erupt Nationwide

Protests erupted in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Makassar, and Solo. Demonstrators, mostly students dressed in black, condemned the return of “militarism” and what they called the “murder of democracy.”

• In Jakarta, demonstrators breached the front gate of the DPR complex, chanting “Revolusi!” while demanding the law’s cancellation.
• In Bandung, protestors held banners reading “Lawan Militerisme” and “Kembalikan TNI ke Barak.
• In Yogyakarta, performance art mocked President-elect Prabowo Subianto, portraying authoritarian control.
• In Semarang, police used tear gas and detained four student leaders during a clash outside the DPRD Jateng.
• In Surabaya and Makassar, coordinated protests demanded the law’s repeal and warned of a return to New Order-style repression.

Activists, including Wilson from IKOHI (Families of the Disappeared), claimed the law signaled a systemic rollback of reform. “Democracy is being dismantled, step by step,” he said.

What the Revised TNI Law Covers

Critics say the law blurs the line between military and civilian authority. The DPR passed amendments to three major articles: Pasal 7, Pasal 47, and Pasal 53.

Key Changes in the Law:

• Expanded Civil Roles for Active Military Personnel (Pasal 47):

The number of civil institutions that can now be headed by active-duty TNI personnel increased from 10 to 14.

Newly Added Institutions include the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla), and the Attorney General’s Office (Military Criminal Affairs Division).

• Additional Military Operations Other Than War (OMSP) Duties (Pasal 7):

The law now allows the TNI to engage in cybersecurity defense and protection of Indonesian citizens and interests abroad.

• Extended Retirement Age for Soldiers (Pasal 53):

• Retired Officers Can Become Reserve Commanders:

Retired military personnel are now eligible to rejoin service as reserve officers during national mobilizations.

Why Critics Demand Repeal of the TNI Law

Academic institutions, human rights groups, and student coalitions have publicly denounced the revisions, citing serious democratic risks.

Civil Society’s Key Objections:

• The expanded list of civil positions undermines civilian control over government institutions.

• The law contradicts global human rights standards like the ICCPR and CAT, both ratified by Indonesia.

• The return of the military’s political and economic functions mirrors Suharto’s New Order.

• Activists fear increased repression in campuses through military surveillance and intimidation.

• Closed-door meetings and heavy Kopassus presence during the bill’s drafting were widely criticized as undemocratic.

Kaukus Indonesia untuk Kebebasan Akademik (KIKA) called the bill a “legislative crime” and urged judicial review at the Constitutional Court.

Government Justifications and Pushback

In her speech, DPR Speaker Puan Maharani claimed the revisions uphold democratic values, civil supremacy, and human rights. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the law ensures TNI remains a “people’s army” loyal to safeguarding the nation.

However, critics warn that the law reflects the resurgence of the “dual-function” (Dwifungsi) doctrine of the Suharto era—allowing the military to exert influence in both security and politics.

Observers fear the sweeping changes will set a dangerous precedent for Southeast Asia’s largest democracy, where reform gains since 1998 may be eroded under the guise of national security.

Institutional and Political Fallout

Legal experts warn that this law could establish a dangerous precedent where military interests override civil governance. Democratic watchdogs and international observers have started raising concerns, urging Indonesia to uphold its reform legacy and civilian supremacy over the military.

Meanwhile, leaders of Indonesia’s student movements have vowed to continue their resistance, pushing for broader engagement among youth and civil society to hold the government accountable. Calls for transparency, justice, and rollback of militaristic governance remain central to their mobilization.

A Call for Reversal and Democratic Renewal

The newly passed TNI Law is rapidly becoming a flashpoint for civil unrest and institutional distrust in Indonesia. With students threatening sustained resistance and rights groups calling for legal action, the coming weeks may determine whether the legislation stands or is reversed through judicial or political pressure.

For Indonesia to uphold its democratic reputation and international obligations, it must consider repealing or amending the law through inclusive, transparent dialogue. Restoring public trust requires not only halting the militarisation of civilian roles but also reaffirming the supremacy of civilian governance in a democratic society.

Sources: BBC (2025), Tempo (2025), CNN Indonesia (2025)

Keywords: TNI Law, DPR Indonesia, Military Civilian Roles, Protest Against TNI Law, UU TNI