Nearly three decades after the fall of Indonesia's authoritarian leader General Suharto, President Prabowo Subianto's growing reliance on the military has raised concerns about the erosion of democratic reforms established after Suharto’s ousting in 1998. Critics argue that Prabowo’s actions echo elements of Suharto's military-backed “New Order” regime, sparking debates about the potential return of a more authoritarian governance style.

Prabowo, who swept to power with a landslide victory in last year’s elections, has quickly expanded the military’s role in civilian governance. From managing his flagship $28 billion free school meals program to overseeing agricultural and infrastructure initiatives, the armed forces have been handed significant responsibilities. This marks a shift reminiscent of the controversial Suharto-era “dwifungsi” doctrine, which allowed the military to dominate public life and suppress dissent.

The military is now involved in running 100 out of 190 kitchens under the school meals project, preparing food for over 570,000 children. Air Force Colonel Satrya Dharma Wijaya, normally assigned to aircraft maintenance, now oversees large-scale kitchen operations. Similarly, the army has launched initiatives in farming, fisheries, and animal husbandry, with plans to develop 3 million hectares of land for food production.

Prabowo has also expanded military-led civil works programs, such as irrigation and plumbing projects in remote areas, emphasizing the military’s efficiency and discipline in executing large-scale operations. Supporters argue these measures bring much-needed efficiency and effectiveness, but critics warn of the risks to civilian governance.

A proposed bill, supported by Prabowo’s parliamentary allies, could allow the president to appoint active-duty military officers to senior government positions—a practice banned since the fall of Suharto. With his coalition controlling 74% of parliament, the legislation is likely to pass, potentially dismantling safeguards designed to maintain civilian oversight.

This shift is already evident in appointments like Foreign Minister Sugiono, a retired special forces officer, sparking debates about the increasing militarization of key government roles.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, from Prabowo’s Gerindra party, defended the move, stating, “These strategic programs must be run by disciplined and highly committed individuals trained to handle responsibility.”

Observers fear Prabowo’s reliance on the military signals a move toward centralization of power and weakening of civilian institutions. Political analyst Kevin O’Rourke warned, “There’s a lot of aspects of the Prabowo administration that are seeking to replicate what existed under his former father-in-law Suharto. Restoring military roles in politics is one aspect.”

Retired Lt. Gen. Agus Widjojo, a key figure in post-Suharto military reforms, expressed concern over allowing unchecked military appointments, saying, “Don’t give a blank check where soldiers could be placed at any posts. It will ruin the system.”

Analyst Yanuar echoed these concerns, describing Prabowo’s administration as a potential step toward “democratic backsliding” due to the centralization of power and the military’s increasing involvement in governance.

Despite criticism, Prabowo enjoys strong public support, particularly among younger voters who lack direct experience of Suharto’s repressive regime. His approval rating after 100 days in office stands at an impressive 81%, reflecting public optimism about his leadership and ambitious projects.

However, as Indonesia’s democratic institutions face new challenges, many are left questioning whether the balance between efficiency and civilian oversight is being irreversibly altered.

The debate over Prabowo’s governance style has just begun, with the coming months likely to determine the future trajectory of Indonesia’s democratic system.