Indonesia's top court gives lawmakers two years to fix military justice for civilians

Indonesia's Constitutional Court has found parts of the country's 1997 Military Justice Law conditionally unconstitutional and ordered lawmakers to amend it within two years. The case was brought by relatives of victims, who argued that civilians — including journalists — deserve clearer protection and independent accountability when harmed by military personnel. Press freedom and rights groups welcomed the ruling and urged parliament to act: clearer lines between military and civilian courts, precise offence definitions, and a military justice system properly integrated into the wider judiciary. It is slow, technical work — and exactly how the rule of law gets stronger.

SDG 16 · Peace, justice and strong institutions — Mechanism: legal ruling