Military’s Expanding Role: Ensuring Stability or Undermining Democracy?

CampusNet – Since the 1998 reform, the military no longer holds a dual role in government. The government is now paving the way for the military to play a role beyond just national defense. From government positions to the business sector, the military is beginning to penetrate various aspects of civilian life. Will this move bring stability, or will it instead threaten democracy and public freedom?

A Brief Overview of ABRI’s Dual Function

The Indonesian Armed forces or ABRI exercised a dual role under ABRI’s Dual Function (Dwifungsi ABRI). Safeguarding nasional defense while also participating in governance and politics. After the 1998 reform, the government abolished this concept, but in recent years. Various parties have pushed for the military to reenter civilian affairs.

In 2025, the resurgence of Dwifungsi ABRI could have significant impacts on Indonesia’s democracy, economy, and social life, including:

1. Impact on Democracy

The return of Dwifungsi ABRI could pose a threat to democracy. Here are some of the potential consequences:

• Weakening civilian control over the military: in a democratic system, the civilian government should have control over the military. If the military reenters government roles, they could reduce the influence of political parties and civil institutions in strategic decision-making.
• Weakening democratic institutions: the military involved in politics reduced the role of the House of Representatives. Political parties, and the media in the democratic process. They dominate decision making, making the government system less transparent.
• Restricting civil liberties: a military with significant power in government restricts press freedom, freedom of speech, and other civil rights. Similar to what happened during the New Order era.

2. Impact on the Economy

Military involvement in the economic sector could have various effects, including:

• Expansion of military owned businesses: the military already manages several business sectors. If the government lets the military re-enter the economy, military run businesses will expand rapidly and create unfair competition for private sector companies.
• Inefficient budget allocation: the government may spend a large portion of the national budget on supporting the military’s dual role, which could limit funding for crucial sectors like education and healthcare.
• Decreasing foreign investment interest: foreign investors hesitate to invest in countries where the military controls governance and business. If this happens, Indonesia’s economic growth could slow down.

If the government reinstates Dwifungsi ABRI, the consequences could be far reaching. Democracy may decline, the economy could weaken as the military engages in business and social life might shift as military influence grows in civilian spaces. Society and policymakers must protect democracy by keeping the military focused on its primary duty: defending the nation without interfering in civilian affairs.