ACTIVISTS have condemned plans to change a law that would allow the army to have more government positions, a move they say could lead to “abuse” in a country long influenced by its powerful military.
The revision to a military law will be voted on today in a parliament dominated by President Prabowo Subianto’s coalition after the changes were approved by a key committee on Tuesday.
The amendment has sparked fears of a return to the era of dictator Suharto, who Prabowo once served and who used military figures to crack down on dissent.
“That’s their target, despite strong criticism by the public: strengthening the role of the army in the civilian government,” said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia.
“That will create conflict of interest and abuse of power, including corruption and human rights violations that have often escaped with total impunity.”
Military officers can already serve in 10 government agencies, including the defence ministry.But under the proposed changes, they would be able to serve in 16, according to a draft seen by AFP, which would include the Supreme Court, national disaster agency and attorney general’s office.
It also allows for soldiers to hold civilian positions in other government institutions after resigning or retiring from military service.
The Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (Kontras) rejected the latest amendment to the Bill.
“The discussion of the... Bill revision has been rushed, with minimal public participation and a lack of transparency in the drafting process,” it said in a joint statement with Amnesty and the Indonesia Legal Aid Foundation. — AFP
