What are the concerns about military involvement in civilian sectors?

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Concerns Raised Over Indonesian Military's Expanding Role in Civilian Sectors

Indonesia's military is set to begin manufacturing medicines for public distribution, a move that signifies a further expansion of the armed forces' involvement in civilian affairs under President Prabowo Subianto. This development, alongside a recent revision to military law permitting soldiers to occupy more civilian posts, has ignited significant concerns among rights groups and activists. These groups fear a regression to an era reminiscent of authoritarian rule, where the military held considerable sway over public life and actively suppressed dissent.
Dismantling Post-1998 Safeguards

The recent legislative changes and the military's foray into drug manufacturing are seen as dismantling crucial safeguards established after the overthrow of authoritarian leader General Suharto in 1998. These safeguards were designed to prevent a recurrence of the military's extensive influence over political and social spheres. The current actions are perceived by some as eroding the democratic principles that were hard-won following Suharto's 32-year rule.
Legal and Ethical Objections to Business Involvement

Rights organisations, including Amnesty International Indonesia, have voiced strong objections to the military's involvement in civilian business ventures, such as drug production. They argue that such agreements are unlawful, as existing military law prohibits serving military officials from holding civilian business positions. Usman Hamid of Amnesty International Indonesia has described these shifts as symptomatic of a government moving towards authoritarianism, a sentiment echoed by those who recall the pre-1998 period.
Fears of Renewed Suppression of Dissent

A significant concern stemming from the military's expanding civilian role is the potential for a return to an environment where dissent is suppressed. During General Suharto's regime, the armed forces were instrumental in maintaining political stability through means that often involved quashing opposition and controlling public discourse. The current trend raises anxieties about the future of civil liberties and the space for free expression in Indonesia.
Broader Expansion into Public Services

Beyond medicine production, the military's engagement is extending to other public services. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin has also signed agreements to establish hospitals staffed by military medical personnel in conflict-prone regions like Papua. Furthermore, the medicines produced by the military will be distributed through 80,000 state-backed cooperatives initiated by President Prabowo, intended to boost economic activity and provide services directly to the public.

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What are the concerns about military involvement in civilian sectors?

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