Civil Society Coalition Criticizes Hasty Deliberation of Indonesian Military Bill at Luxury Hotel

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – The Civil Society Coalition for Security Sector Reform, comprising dozens of civil organizations, has sharply criticized the Indonesian government and parliament for hastily deliberating revisions to the Indonesian military law at a five-star hotel in Jakarta, from Friday, March 14, 2025, to Sunday, March 16, 2025.

The coalition argued that such practices undermine transparency, public participation, and contradict government budget efficiency policies, raising concerns about democracy and human rights.

Director of Amnesty International Indonesia Usman Hamid stated on Sunday, March 16, 2025, that conducting closed-door discussions at a luxury hotel during the weekend highlighted the low commitment to transparency in legislation that significantly affects national defense governance.

Previously, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Adies Kadir had stated that the revised military bill would not be passed before the parliamentary recess for Eid 2025, indicating the earliest possible approval in the subsequent parliamentary session.

"Ironically, at a time when efficiency and budget-saving measures are being advocated by the government, both DPR and the administration opted for a luxury setting, thereby incurring considerable state expenditure," Hamid emphasized.

Substantially, Hamid pointed out the military bill still contains controversial articles potentially threatening democracy and human rights in Indonesia. He warned that the revised bill risks diminishing military professionalism and reviving the dual-function (dwifungsi) of the Indonesian military, allowing active-duty personnel to hold civilian posts.

This could potentially exclude civilian oversight, reinforce military dominance in civilian sectors and policymaking, and create dual loyalties. Reformasi, Indonesia’s reform era initiated in 1998, had specifically abolished the dual-function doctrine, removing military influence from civilian and political sectors to strengthen democratic governance.

"We firmly reject the government's proposed draft and the Inventory of Issues (DIM) presented to DPR, as it includes problematic clauses that threaten the return of military dual-function and militarism in Indonesia," Hamid asserted.

Previously, the Working Committee comprising Commission I of the DPR and government representatives had completed discussions on 40% of the 92 DIM items of the military bill. Commission I member TB Hasanuddin explained that detailed discussions primarily addressed retirement age and related variables for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel, ongoing throughout the weekend.