**KARACHI, Pakistan**
Indonesia's lower house of parliament, the House of Representatives, on Thursday unanimously passed a controversial revision to the country's military law, expanding the armed forces' role in civilian positions, according to local media.
The revision to the 2004 Military Law was passed during a plenary session in Jakarta on Thursday following a speedy deliberation involving closed-door meetings, despite opposition from civil society, the local English daily Jakarta Globe reported.
House Speaker Puan Maharani, who led the session, put the legislation before the house for a vote, which was unanimously approved by the parliamentary factions.
The revised military law includes increasing the retirement age for military personnel from 55 to 62 and expanding the number of civilian government positions available to active military personnel from 10 to 15.
The additional five positions include roles in the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Supreme Court.
Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad acknowledged that the bill has faced public opposition, but insisted the legislative process has incorporated input from various stakeholders.
"In a democracy, differing opinions are natural. We have engaged in extensive dialogue with student groups, NGOs, and the civil society coalition to accommodate their concerns," he said.
Civil society groups have been critical of the revisions, warning that this move could blur the distinction between military and civilian governance.
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