Sumarsih Fears the Return of Militarism
Maria Katarina Sumarsih, the initiator of the Thursday Action (Aksi Kamisan), has scrutinised the running of Prabowo Subianto’s government over the past 21 months. She fears the administration is returning to a militaristic approach.
“For me, militarism endangers the safety of the people. Over the 21 months of Prabowo Subianto’s government, there have been acts of violence by military apparatus,” said Sumarsih when delivering the Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana (AJ) Memorial Lecture on the Thursday Action at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, on Monday, 27 July 2026.
Sumarsih explained that efforts towards militarism were marked by the retreat programme for ministers and state officials surrounding the president. “Regional heads and civil servants (ASN) at the Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java. All participants wore military uniforms and learned to march like soldiers,” she said.
The mother of Bernardinus Realino Norma Irawan (Wawan), an Atma Jaya University student killed in the Semanggi I tragedy, said the return of militarism in the Prabowo era was evident from the placement of military and police personnel in state institutions.
“It is quite startling for us all that two former deputy heads of the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), who are now suspects, turn out to come from the army and police,” she said.
On this occasion, Sumarsih also highlighted acts of violence committed by state apparatus under Prabowo’s leadership.
One of these was the tragedy that occurred on 28–31 August 2025. Sumarsih said the incident claimed the life of an online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, who died after being run over by a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) tactical vehicle.
Then there was the tragedy that befell the Deputy Coordinator of KontraS, Andrie Yunus, on 12 March 2026. Andrie Yunus was doused with caustic liquid by a member of the TNI’s BAIS after protesting against discussions on the revision of the TNI Law, which were held behind closed doors.
She also highlighted the hundreds of people who became political prisoners following the August 2025 demonstrations. “From the tragedy of 28–31 August 2025 until now, many young people remain in detention.”
And on 13 June 2026, the TNI and Polri blocked and barred students who intended to demonstrate at the HI Roundabout. At the time, the students were criticising state policies that were not pro-people.
“Democracy has now entered the crocodile’s jaws. The government is militaristic and centralistic; the people’s voice is being silenced,” said Sumarsih.
She said the general election had produced a deficit of statesmen. Sumarsih also reiterated that violence by state apparatus against the people continued, judging that human rights were not being respected.
Not to mention the numerous cases of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN) committed by the government. “It is growing lushly, while the poverty gap widens,” she said.
In this regard, participants of the Thursday Action expressed their concern about the declining quality of democracy, because criticism of the government risks being silenced.
The militaristic approach also threatens civil liberties and increases repressive actions against human rights defenders, in a manner reminiscent of authoritarian practices of the past.