Fear of Military Interference in Politics Runs Deep in Indonesia

Fear of Military Interference in Politics Runs Deep in Indonesia

Protests and statements of concern over the last several weeks regarding the Indonesian Armed Forces’ (TNI) activities reveal a deep fear of a return of the military to politics, especially within Indonesia’s civil society sector. The protests reflect a fear of what might happen, that the role the military had during the New Order might recur. During Suharto’s New Order (1965-1998), an official dogma conferred on the armed forces was that of ‘du…

President Prabowo Subianto admitted that he was surprised that the Indonesian National Army (TNI) was often accused of wanting to be a dictator. In fact, he said, many soldiers voluntarily resigned from politics and power.

Prabowo said the TNI is the institution most trusted by the public in surveys.