Protests erupted in Indonesia over a change in the law that would increase the power of the military.

Activists opposed recent amendments to a bill that allows active-duty military officers to hold a broader range of civilian government positions.

Footage captured by Julian Nainggolan shows demonstrators dressed in black dragging and beating security personnel and throwing rocks at them in Surabaya, East Java, on March 24.

On March 20, hundreds of students gathered outside Indonesia's parliamentary building in Jakarta following the passage of controversial revisions to the military law. They reportedly burned tyres and attempted to push through the gates of the premises.

Activists held signs reading 'New Order Strikes Back' and 'Take the military back to the barracks,' expressing concerns over increasing military influence in civilian governance.

Usman Hamid, head of Amnesty International Indonesia and a former protester against Suharto's New Order regime, warned of history repeating itself.

He said: 'Activists were kidnapped, and some never returned. Today, it feels like we're moving backwards.'

Some students had camped near the parliamentary complex since Wednesday evening, March 19, demanding the withdrawal of military personnel from civilian positions.

President Prabowo Subianto, who assumed office last October and previously served as a special forces commander under Suharto, has been expanding the military's role into traditionally civilian sectors, including his signature initiative of providing free meals for children.

The amendment expands the number of government roles available to active-duty military officers from four to 14 without requiring them to resign, sparking concerns about a regression to the authoritarian practices of former President Suharto's era.

Human rights organisations have condemned the growing military presence, warning that it could lead to abuses of power, human rights violations, and a lack of accountability.