When Was Martial Law Last Enforced in Indonesia?

September 1, 2025 | 05:07 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The term "martial law" often comes up when a country is facing a critical situation that threatens its stability. However, not everyone understands what martial law means, how it is implemented, and the legal basis that regulates this policy in Indonesia.

Definition of Martial Law

The Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) defines martial law as a state of emergency in an area fully controlled by the military. In this condition, the military is given the authority of the highest leader and a temporary government.

Meanwhile, according to Antara, martial law is a set of regulations that takes effect after an official announcement by the state. Its implementation is marked by the temporary transfer of civilian government authority to the military. This step is taken to maintain security and order, especially when the civilian government is deemed incapable of addressing the existing threats.

This condition is generally decided in urgent situations, such as during wartime, a coup d'etat, armed rebellion, large-scale natural disasters, or other situations that render the state unable to function through normal mechanisms. At that stage, the military commander is given broad authority to formulate policies, enforce the law, and take strategic measures without limitations, as in normal situations.

Impacts of Implementing Martial Law

The imposition of martial law not only has security implications but also can affect the political, social, and economic conditions of a country. The Robert Lansing Institute outlines several possible consequences, including:

• Government Consolidation. The head of state can use martial law as an instrument to strengthen authority and ensure the implementation of specific policies. However, this step also has the potential to generate dissatisfaction among the public and criticism from international parties.
• Increased Protests. Such policies often trigger massive demonstrations. If this occurs, the government's legitimacy becomes further questioned.
• Opportunities for Political Opposition. Public differences in views regarding martial law can be exploited by opposition groups to weaken the president's authority, even leading to impeachment efforts or an acceleration of elections.
• Disruption of Domestic Stability. Unstable domestic situations hinder a country's ability to respond to external provocations and reduce its capacity for international diplomacy.
• Economic Uncertainty. Prolonged unrest can hinder trade, reduce investor interest, and lead to other problems, such as increased unemployment and criminal activity.

Legal Basis in Indonesia

In Indonesia, regulations regarding emergencies, including martial law, are stipulated in Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) Number 23 of 1959 concerning States of Emergency. Article 1, paragraph (1) asserts that the president or the supreme commander of the armed forces has the authority to declare a region to be in a state of civil emergency, martial law, or war.

Several reasons that can serve as the basis for declaring martial law in Indonesia include:

• Threats to security and order in part or all of the national territory due to riots, rebellions, or natural disasters that cannot be addressed through normal mechanisms.
• Outbreak of war or the threat of war, including actions that violate the sovereignty of the Indonesian territory.
• The state is in a dangerous condition that could jeopardize its existence.

The regulation also explains that at the regional level, the implementation of martial law is carried out by a military commander with a minimum rank equivalent to a regiment commander. This commander is assisted by local governmental, police, and prosecution heads whose appointments are made directly by the president or the supreme commander.

Furthermore, the implementation of martial law gives the military the authority to restrict several fundamental rights. For example, limitations on the freedom to assemble, supervision of mass media, and restrictions on the circulation of goods in areas under martial law status.

Examples of Implementation in Indonesia

History records that Indonesia has implemented martial law in several regions.

• Martial Law in East Timor (1999). President BJ Habibie issued Presidential Decree Number 107 of 1999, which took effect on September 7, 1999. However, this status only lasted briefly as it was later revoked through Presidential Decree Number 112 of 1999 on September 23, 1999.
• Martial Law in Aceh (2003). President Megawati Soekarnoputri issued Presidential Decree Number 28 of 2003, declaring martial law in the Province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. This policy was established to address the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which demanded separation from the Republic of Indonesia. The conflict, marked by armed violence and terrorism, was considered to disrupt order, governance, and development in Aceh.

Melynda Dwi Puspita contributed to the writing of this article

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