Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, a former army general and defence minister, has increasingly turned to the military to drive his administration’s flagship initiatives, sparking concerns among critics about a potential erosion of democratic principles and a return to the authoritarian tendencies of the past. In recent weeks, Prabowo has tasked the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) with roles far beyond traditional defence, including food security projects and social welfare programmes, while establishing the National Defence Council (DPN) to shape strategic policies.
This reliance on military structures for civilian governance, just three months into his presidency, has reignited debates over the TNI’s historical “dual function” during the New Order era under President Soeharto, Prabowo’s father-in-law. That period saw the military deeply embedded in politics and governance, often at the cost of human rights and democratic freedoms. Observers warn that current moves could signal a regression to those darker times.
Military Muscle in Civilian Affairs
At the heart of the controversy is Prabowo’s decision to involve the TNI in non-military initiatives. One prominent example is his flagship free nutritious meals programme for schoolchildren and pregnant women, where soldiers have been directed to assist in implementation. Additionally, last week, Prabowo ordered troops to convert unused land into paddy fields to bolster national food security—a key pillar of his administration’s agenda. Perhaps most striking is the creation of 100 Territorial Development Battalions, a new military formation tasked with supporting not only national defence but also agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry across various regencies. Defence Minister Sjafrie Samsoeddin, who also chairs the DPN, described this as part of a “more holistic approach” to the military’s role during a meeting with lawmakers in November 2024. On Friday, TNI commander General Agus Subiyanto publicly endorsed these expanded duties, pledging the military’s loyalty to Prabowo’s vision as outlined in his eight-point campaign promises, known as Asta Cita. Speaking at a gathering of over 1,000 military unit commanders on the same day, Prabowo underscored the necessity of strength for national sovereignty. “We can’t just protect [our country] with good intentions, words, writings or theories. Protecting is through power,” he said, reinforcing his belief that a robust military is essential for Indonesia’s independence and prosperity. Earlier, during the inaugural meeting of the DPN at Bogor Palace in West Java, Prabowo linked national defence to the very foundation of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which lists protecting the nation and its territory as a primary goal. The DPN, established via a presidential decree in December 2024—23 years after being mandated by the 2002 State Defence Law—aims to formulate defence policies for the next five years, according to Sjafrie. 
Echoes of the New Order
While Prabowo frames these initiatives as pragmatic solutions to pressing national challenges, critics argue they risk reviving the military’s notorious “dual function” (dwi fungsi) doctrine of the New Order era (1966-1998). Under Soeharto, the TNI held significant sway over civilian governance, occupying key government and legislative posts and often suppressing dissent through violence and intimidation. This legacy left deep scars, with numerous human rights violations still unresolved. Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, described Prabowo’s approach as “misguided,” warning of a “slippery slope” back to authoritarianism. “The involvement of the DPN and the TNI in matters outside of defence will revive the military’s New Order-era ‘dual function’, which left a legacy of serious human rights violations that have not been resolved until now,” he said on Sunday. Military expert Al Araf echoed these concerns, arguing that diverting the TNI’s focus to civilian tasks undermines its core mission. “The DPN should strictly aid the President when it comes to anticipating external threats,” he noted. “Similarly, our soldiers’ main task is to train themselves to defend the country in times of war. They can’t do that when they’re busy cooking [for the free meals programme].” The historical context adds weight to these critiques. Prabowo himself was a high-ranking military officer during the New Order, implicated in alleged human rights abuses, including the disappearance of activists in 1998—claims he has consistently denied. His personal ties to Soeharto and his military background amplify fears that his presidency could prioritise authoritarian control over democratic reform.
Balancing Defence and Democracy
Prabowo’s supporters, however, argue that his policies reflect a realistic response to Indonesia’s challenges, including rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and domestic issues like food insecurity. With a sprawling archipelago of over 17,000 islands and a population exceeding 270 million, Indonesia faces unique logistical hurdles in delivering public services. In this light, the military’s involvement could be seen as a practical mobilisation of existing resources. Yet, the lack of clear boundaries between military and civilian roles raises questions about accountability. If soldiers are deployed to manage agricultural projects or welfare programmes, who oversees their actions, and how are potential abuses addressed? The absence of robust checks and balances could embolden overreach, particularly in remote regions where military presence might intimidate rather than support local communities.
Moreover, the timing of the DPN’s formation—decades after it was legally mandated—suggests a deliberate push by Prabowo to centralise defence policy under his direct influence. While the council’s stated aim is to address strategic threats, its broad mandate to propose solutions on “a wide array of issues affecting sovereignty” could blur the lines between military and civilian governance further.
A Broader Regional Context
Indonesia’s trajectory under Prabowo also holds implications for South East Asia, a region where military influence in politics remains a sensitive issue. Neighbouring countries like Thailand and Myanmar have grappled with military coups and juntas, while others, such as Vietnam, maintain strict party-military integration. Indonesia, as the region’s largest democracy, has often been seen as a counterbalance to authoritarian trends since its transition to democracy in 1998 following Soeharto’s fall. Any perceived backsliding could weaken this role, emboldening anti-democratic forces elsewhere. Domestically, public opinion on Prabowo’s policies appears divided. While some Indonesians welcome the promise of stronger governance and improved services, others, particularly younger generations and civil society groups, remain wary of military overreach. Social media platforms have seen heated debates, with hashtags related to democracy and military reform trending in recent weeks.
Looking Ahead: Risks and Reforms
As Prabowo’s administration unfolds, the key question is whether he can balance his reliance on the military with the democratic reforms that have defined Indonesia’s post-1998 era. Strengthening defence capabilities is a legitimate priority, especially amid regional uncertainties like South China Sea disputes. However, if this comes at the expense of civilian oversight and human rights, the costs could be severe.
Speculative concerns about a return to authoritarianism, while not yet confirmed by concrete evidence, merit close attention. If the TNI’s expanded role leads to documented abuses or suppression of dissent, it could trigger domestic unrest and international criticism. Conversely, if Prabowo manages to harness military resources for public good without undermining democratic institutions, his approach could set a new precedent for governance in resource-constrained democracies.
For now, the lack of immediate comment from the Presidential Communications Office leaves room for uncertainty. What is clear, however, is that Prabowo’s presidency will be a critical test of Indonesia’s democratic resilience. As the TNI steps into civilian spheres, the line between protection and overreach grows ever thinner, with the nation—and the region—watching closely.
