Indonesia Debates Bigger Role for Military Under Prabowo
- New bill could allow more military personnel in government
- Critics say proposals amount to backsliding to Suharto era
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Indonesia is debating expanding the role of the country’s vast military under President Prabowo Subianto, including by allowing active armed forces personnel to take up civilian posts in ways not seen since the dismantling of strongman Suharto’s authoritarian systems decades ago.
Lawmakers met Tuesday for a second day to weigh views on a long-brewing revision to the Southeast Asian nation’s military law that could pave the way for active military personnel to hold positions in ministries and government agencies and potentially lift a ban on officers from engaging in business activities.