Mass protests erupted across Indonesia following the approval of a controversial amendment expanding the military’s role in government. In Jakarta, demonstrators broke through barriers at the parliament building, prompting police to respond with water cannons, RIA Novosti reports.
On Thursday, Indonesia’s parliament officially passed a revision to the Armed Forces Law, allowing active-duty military personnel to hold a greater number of government positions. Opponents fear the move could lead to abuses of power and human rights violations.
By evening, large-scale demonstrations had spread across the country. In Yogyakarta, protesters covered a local government building in graffiti. In North Sulawesi, clashes broke out as demonstrators climbed onto police vehicles.
In the capital, Jakarta, protesters marched to the parliament complex. After breaking through security fences, they faced police resistance but remained on parliamentary grounds. Footage circulating on social media platform X shows crowds chanting “Revolution!”
The amended law increases the number of government positions available to military personnel from 10 to 15, now including roles in the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Supreme Court.
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Based on materials from RIA Novosti