Indonesia’s Parliament has unanimously voted to pass a controversial revision of its military law that will expand the armed forces’ role in civilian affairs despite growing opposition from pro-democracy and rights groups who see it as a threat to the country’s young democracy.

The amendment to the 2004 Law on the Indonesian Armed Forces introduces several changes that aim to broaden the military’s role beyond defense.

Once in force, the new law will allow active officers to take civilian positions without having to retire or resign from service in four more bodies, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Supreme Court and the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs.