Under the Territorial Structure, branches of the armed forces were deployed in a manner likened to an occupying force. Soldiers were posted everywhere from big cities all the way down to tiny villages. The system formed the backbone of former dictator Suharto's 33-year long grip on power. It brought generals in close contact with local politicians and businessmen, opening the door for the military to influence every facet of the archipelago's life.

Local politicians were screened by generals before an election, which virtually handed political power to the armed forces.

Since 1998, when Suharto was forced to step down, reforms have attempted to limit both the military's business interests and its role in politics. Following a law passed in September last year, the military (and the police) lost the automatic quota of 38 seats in the national parliament, and its vast business interests will be placed under government scrutiny by 2009.

Dr Susilo said the revival of the territorial structure allows the armed forces to be deployed to fight terrorism, which he said has tarnished Indonesia's image abroad.

Analysts said sending out the troops was against the spirit of the reforms. Some expressed concern the move could hand political leverage back to the generals.

Agus Widjojo, a military affairs commentator known for his reformist views, said that any role for the armed forces in uprooting terror should be safeguarded with unambiguous presidential directives governing their duties and a specific time frame for its field activities.

'The authority has to stay with the president, who has to make clear what TNI's duties are and how long they will last,' he said, pointing out that in the past, the system led to an extensive role for the military in politics, security and law enforcement.

'You cannot let the TNI decide.'