Nearly thirty years after the end of General Suharto’s authoritarian rule in Indonesia, the current president is raising concerns among liberals and other groups by increasingly relying on the military to implement his governance strategy. Critics of President Prabowo Subianto highlight his initial actions as indicative of a troubling inclination to substitute civilian roles with military involvement, drawing parallels to the “dwifungsi” (dual function) doctrine from the Suharto era, which enabled the military to suppress dissent and exert control over public affairs.

Just three months into his term, following a decisive electoral victory last year, Prabowo has rapidly broadened the military’s involvement in various public sectors, including overseeing a significant initiative to provide free school meals. His parliamentary allies are also working on legislation that would permit Prabowo to appoint active military personnel to high-ranking government roles, effectively dismantling some of the protections established after Suharto’s ousting in 1998, which followed an economic crisis and widespread protests.

Prabowo’s substantial electoral success was largely fueled by younger voters, according to polls, a demographic that has little or no recollection of Suharto’s military-supported “New Order” regime. As a former son-in-law of Suharto and a special forces commander during his oppressive 32-year rule, Prabowo was later removed from the military due to unverified claims of human rights violations. Supporters of Prabowo, who has refuted allegations of past abuses, argue that involving the military in key projects can lead to greater efficiency.

Critics are increasingly concerned about Prabowo’s recent actions, including the expansion of the military command structure, which they interpret as a troubling shift towards re-militarization in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. Analyst Yanuar Nugroho remarked, “He is not adhering to civil supremacy.” He further noted that Prabowo appears intent on reviving the military’s prominence, suggesting that military involvement in civic projects would be more efficient and effective. Nugroho, who previously served as deputy chief of presidential staff under Prabowo’s predecessor, Joko Widodo, expressed these concerns.

Prabowo’s office has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding the military’s role in government initiatives. While his approach does not mirror the “dual function” of the past, his early dependence on the military is raising alarms among Indonesian observers about the potential reversal of democratic reforms established after Suharto’s regime. Political analyst Kevin O’Rourke, who authors the Indonesia-focused newsletter Reformasi Weekly, stated, “Many elements of the Prabowo administration seem to be trying to recreate the environment that existed under his former father-in-law, Suharto,” highlighting the restoration of military influence in politics as a significant concern.

O’Rourke pointed out that during Suharto’s rule, there were no effective checks and balances, and the military was also engaged in business ventures. He warned that a similar trend today could undermine democratic oversight of governmental institutions, thereby impacting policymaking.

FARMING, COOKING AND PLUMBING

Prabowo, who enjoyed an 81% approval rating after his first 100 days in office, has quickly delegated substantial projects to the military since assuming power. A prominent example is his $28 billion initiative aimed at providing free school meals. Air Force Colonel Satrya Dharma Wijaya exemplifies this trend.

His primary role involves aircraft maintenance; however, since November, he has shifted his focus to procuring stoves, refrigerators, and frying pans to prepare meals for thousands of children simultaneously at a base in Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital.

“This area was once used for marshalling troops before their deployments,” stated Satrya, dressed in his short-sleeved blue uniform at the newly expanded kitchen of Halim Perdanakusuma air base.

The military is currently operating 100 out of the 190 kitchens that were launched as part of a collaboration with the newly established National Nutrition Agency, providing meals for 570,000 children on the inaugural day of the initiative.

Army chief General Maruli Simanjuntak announced plans for the military to establish 100 specialized “territorial development” units focused on agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

Prabowo has also acted quickly to significantly enhance other military-led initiatives that were initiated during his tenure as defense minister.

A program aimed at enabling soldiers to clear land for agricultural purposes has been expanded fifty-fold, with the goal of increasing Indonesia’s food security from an initial 60,000 hectares to an anticipated 3 million hectares, roughly equivalent to the size of Belgium.

Additionally, he has mandated the expansion of another initiative, instructing the Air Force to transform its unused land into rice and corn fields, which will be managed by soldiers and local villagers to support the free-meals program.

Furthermore, he has announced a nationwide extension of a third small military civil-works project focused on installing water pipes for plumbing and irrigation in remote, impoverished regions.

Army Chief Simanjuntak emphasized the effectiveness of utilizing soldiers to manage large programs, citing the military’s robust chain of command and existing regulations designed to prevent any form of military oppression. “Returning to the New Order (Suharto) era is simply not an option. It is impossible,” Simanjuntak stated.

CONCERNS OVER MILITARY APPOINTMENTS

A significant point of contention among critics is the proposed legislation that would enable Prabowo to appoint active-duty military personnel to high-ranking government positions for the first time in decades. This legislation, backed by Prabowo’s supporters, is set to be presented to parliament, where the president’s coalition holds a commanding 74% majority. Lawmakers have indicated that discussions on the bill will take place in the coming months.

The president has already appointed former military officials to key positions, including Foreign Minister Sugiono, who previously served in the army’s special forces before his retirement. Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, deputy speaker of parliament from Prabowo’s Gerindra party, asserted that the president should have the authority to place active officers in any government role. “These strategic programs require individuals who are disciplined, deeply committed, and trained to uphold responsibility and discipline,” Dasco remarked.

UNRISTRICTED AUTHORITY

Concerns regarding Prabowo’s inclination to rely on military forces have been voiced even by some former military officials. Retired Lt Gen Agus Widjojo, a key figure in the military reforms following Suharto’s regime, cautioned against granting unrestricted authority that would allow soldiers to occupy various positions, warning that it could undermine the system.

He emphasized that such a trend could weaken civilian institutions and have significant policy ramifications. Analyst Yanuar expressed apprehension that the increasing militarization under Prabowo could result in a regression of democratic principles and a consolidation of power. “A powerful president supported by a robust military and nearly complete control over parliament,” Yanuar noted, drawing parallels to Suharto’s era, where the military held dual roles.