Getting To Know Military Emergency: Definition, Impact, And Attitudes That Can Be Done By Civilians

JAKARTA - In the midst of the heated demonstration that voiced dissatisfaction with the Indonesian government, the term martial law was discussed again on social media. Many netizens asked the public to continue to be vigilant, and try to reject indications of a military emergency.

This is because martial law can have a detrimental impact. Quoted from Repository, on Sunday, August 31, 2025, the military emergency is often used as an instrument of forced government will that is unable to reduce the conflict that occurs.

Military Emergency Understanding

Based on the Big Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI), martial law is an emergency in an area where the supreme leader is controlled by the military. With that, the military is placed in charge of interim government.

With a military emergency, the military has the authority to take power from the hands of a formally ruling civilian government. The goal is to maintain the security and order of an area or state.

Military Emergency Impact

When a military emergency is implemented, the military in an area or state has unlimited authorities formulating strategies and enforcing the law. This means that the military can determine any action on behalf of the safety of the nation and state.

This will certainly have various impacts. Starting from policy decisions that cause people's dissatisfaction and potential international criticism.

Large-scale mass demonstrations can occur for the government to reconsider the imposition of martial law. Domestic instability, people's conditions are not guaranteed, so that economic instability can occur.

Things To Do

With this impact, a military emergency should be avoided. To avoid this situation, good cooperation is needed between the government and the people.

From the government side, it must immediately restore the situation, enforce firm law, secure the region, and carry out their duties properly in maintaining stability.

To the people, it is advisable to remain calm and alert. Be careful in sharing information and only relying on official sources.

Preventing the spread of misinformation, aka hoaxes and enforcing democratic processes, such as free press and peace gatherings, is very important to fight efforts to overthrow the democratic system and prevent military emergency.