Law Enforcement Authority in Military Bill Must Be Removed: Amnesty International Indonesia

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, highlighted the Military Bill which will potentially have some troubling consequences if issued. Usman emphasized that the bill should remove the military’s authority over law enforcement. 

"The law enforcement by the military is included under Article 9 of the Military Bill. Law Enforcement means giving warnings, making reports, and conducting arrests. This is problematic. It will reinstate duality between the military and police,” he told Tempo on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Usman also highlighted the dangers of Article 47 of the Military Bill which would expand the role of active soldiers in civilian positions. He explained that the expansion would make the military’s role in society murky. It is feared that the military could enter non-defense fields, such as military diplomacy and tackling terrorism, drugs, and food issues.

"The article was structured in such a way that it seems normal. But it actually obscures the hierarchical structure within democracy where the military is a mere tool for civil authority," explained Usman.

Usman also highlighted the National Police Bill which transformed the National Police into a “super body” institution, handling everything from cyberspace to mass media. 

"Military and National Police Bills discussion must be halted until there is meaningful public participation,” he concluded.

M. RIO ALPIN PULUNGAN

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