ABSTRACT
The civil-military relationship in Indonesia is best characterized by the concept of Dwifungsi, or "the dual function", of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Indonesia (ABRI). This chapter explores the development and evolution of the doctrine of Dwifungsi and its implications for democracy in Indonesia. The military roles embodied in the concept of Dwifungsi emerged in the post independence period, as a result of both the sociopolitical role assumed by the military and the crystallization of an ideology supporting such a role. The chapter reviews the historical development of the Indonesian polity, from the post independence experiment with parliamentary democracy through the establishment of the New Order under President Soeharto. The chapter discusses the genesis of ABRI's dual-function doctrine, as well as criticisms of the concept. ABRI's dual function is firmly established in the legal and institutional basis of Indonesian politics. Finally, the chapter also discusses ABRI's dual function and its implications for Indonesian democracy.
