Sumarsih Fears Return of Militarism Era

Maria Katarina Sumarsih, a key figure in the "Aksi Kamisan" (Thursday Action) movement, expressed deep concern over the current Indonesian government's trajectory. She fears a return to militarism under President Prabowo Subianto's administration, citing alleged instances of violence by security forces over the past 21 months.

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For me, militarism endangers the safety of the people. During the 21 months of Prabowo Subianto's government, there has been violence by military apparatus.

Sumarsih pointed to programs like military-style retreats for ministers and state officials, where participants wear military uniforms and undergo army drills, as evidence of a militaristic approach. She also noted the increasing presence of military and police personnel within state institutions, which she views as a worrying trend.

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All participants wear military uniforms, learning to march like soldiers.

During a lecture in Jakarta on July 27, 2026, Sumarsih detailed several incidents she believes demonstrate this militaristic trend and the disregard for human rights. These included the death of an online taxi driver allegedly run over by a tactical vehicle during protests from August 28-31, 2025, and an acid attack on an activist protesting a closed-door revision of the TNI law. She also mentioned hundreds of political detainees from the August 2025 demonstrations.

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It is quite shocking to all of us that two former Deputy Heads of the National Nutrition Agency are now suspects, and they are from the military and police.

"Democracy has entered the jaws of a crocodile. The government is militaristic and centralistic, the people's voices are silenced," Sumarsih stated. She argued that the recent elections resulted in a "deficit of statesmen" and that corruption, collusion, and nepotism are flourishing, widening the poverty gap. Sumarsih concluded that the current approach threatens civil liberties and increases repressive actions against human rights defenders.

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From the tragedy of August 28-31, 2025 until now, there are still many young people in detention.