Prabowo ordered the TNI and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to take firm action against protesters. This directive reportedly led to a significant escalation in state violence128. Many of the injuries recorded during the protests were attributed to the authorities’ extensive use of tear gas and beatings with blunt objects129. The government also sought to amend Law No. 2 of 2002, which regulates the National Police, in a manner similar to the TNI Law 130. However, this plan was blocked by the Constitutional Court, which ruled in November 2025 that active police officers must resign before taking up positions outside the police force131. In response, the National Police issued Police Regulation (Perpol) No. 10 of 2025 on December 9, 2025, allowing members of Polri to perform duties outside the police132. The move sparked public debate over whether the Perpol violates the Constitutional Court’s ruling. Regardless, Prabowo moved ahead by approving a plan to draft a government regulation specifying which positions may be held by active police officers133. Developments under Prabowo’s administration indicate that Indonesian democracy is in a critical condition. They represent a continuation of the democratic backsliding that began in the run-up to the 2024 general election, when then-President Joko Widodo allegedly interfered to preserve his political legacy. A key situation was his reported deal with Prabowo to nominate his son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as Prabowo’s vice-presidential running mate. Gibran’s candidacy, which initially failed to meet the eligibility criteria, was ultimately allowed by the Constitutional Court, whose chief justice at the time, Anwar Usman, is Widodo’s brother-in-law134. Damayanti Ismi, and Rezha Hadyan. “Indonesia’s Prabowo Orders Crackdown on Unrest as Legislators Slash Perks.” Nikkei Asia, 31 Aug. 2025, asia.nikkei.com/politics/indonesia-s-prabowo-orderscrackdown-on-unrest-as-legislators-slash-perks. 129. “Ten People Died in the Wave of Protests – ‘The State Must Respond to the Demands of the People.’” BBC News Indonesia, 3 Sep. 2025, www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/cp949kn2d84o. 130. Trikarinaputri, Ervana. “Indonesia’s Revised Police Law to Regulate Dual Positions for Active Police Officers.” Tempo.co, 18 Nov. 2025, en.tempo.co/read/2066783/indonesias-revised-police-law-toregulate-dual-positions-for-active-police-officers. 131. “Constitutional Court Removes Opportunity for Active Police Occupying Civil Positions, DPR: Don’t Rush to Be Implemented.” VOI,14 Nov. 2025, voi.id/en/news/53356. 132. “Waiting for the President to Revoke Police Regulation 10/2025.” VOI, 17 Dec. 2025, voi.id/en/ tulisan-seri/544006. 133. “Prabowo Approves Regulation to Govern Police in Civil Positions.” Antara, 21 Dec. 2025, en.antaranews. com/news/397228/prabowo-approves-regulation-to-govern-police-in-civil-positions. 134. Janti, Nur, and Yerica Lai. “Chief Justice Demoted Over Gibran Ruling.” The Jakarta Post, 8 Nov. 2023, www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2023/11/08/chief-justice-demoted-over-gibran-ruling.html. 128. 35