Jakarta:  Indonesia’s Constitutional Court is preparing to deliver a crucial ruling on a series of petitions challenging recent amendments to the country’s military law, legislation that critics say risks reviving the armed forces’ dominance in civilian affairs.

The disputed amendments, passed in March under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, expand the military’s involvement beyond defense into areas such as food security, healthcare, education programs, state-owned enterprise management, and even the handling of public demonstrations. Proponents argue the changes strengthen national resilience, but opponents warn they could blur the line between civilian and military authority.

Five petitions have been filed against the law, led by human rights groups, student organizations, and civil society figures, including Inayah Wahid, daughter of former President Abdurrahman Wahid. The plaintiffs contend that the legislation was rushed through without meaningful public consultation, violating constitutional requirements for transparency and accountability in lawmaking.

The court’s upcoming decision will focus on whether the legislative process complied with constitutional standards rather than on the substance of the law itself. If the process is deemed flawed, the amendments could be annulled or sent back to parliament for revision. Petitioners have already signaled their intent to pursue further judicial reviews targeting the content of the legislation if necessary.

Law Minister Yasonna Laoly has defended the government, insisting that the parliamentary process was valid and public input was adequately considered. Meanwhile, street protests across major cities highlight widespread unease about what many perceive as creeping militarization reminiscent of the “New Order” era under Suharto, when the armed forces wielded sweeping influence over politics and civilian life.

The outcome of the court ruling carries significant weight. A decision against the law would bolster public demands for accountability and safeguard democratic norms, while a ruling in favor of the government would strengthen Prabowo’s capacity to integrate the military into broader aspects of governance. Civil society groups and international observers are watching closely, as the verdict is likely to shape the balance of power between civilian institutions and the armed forces in Southeast Asia’s largest democracy.