JakartaPost/Antara-Sept 3, 2025
Criticism has been mounting over the excessive use of force by security officers in their handling of nationwide protests against lawmakers’ conduct and lavish allowance, following reports of violence and forceful arrests. The wave of rallies in Indonesia began early last week with protests at the Senayan legislative complex in Jakarta against House of Representatives members’ lavish allowances and perceived arrogance. But tensions escalated after a police vehicle ran over and killed 21-year-old motorcycle ride-hailing (ojol) driver in Jakarta on Thursday, sparking nationwide protests over police brutality. According to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), at least 10 people have died since the first protest broke out, some of whom were allegedly due to violent acts by security forces during or after the demonstrations. Rights group Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) also reported that 20 people remain missing as of Tuesday since protests broke out last week. Meanwhile, more than 500 people were injured in several regions, as compiled from official reports. Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid called out the government for choosing “an authoritarian and repressive approach” over “democratic and persuasive means” in responding to the demonstrations. He called for the Komnas HAM to immediately open investigations into the deaths of 11 civilians during the protests. “The state must fully cooperate to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. In an announcement raising concern over the “spate of violence” in Indonesia, the United Nations Human Rights Office reminded Prabowo’s administration of the importance of dialogue in addressing the public’s concerns. “Authorities must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” said spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani on Monday, “while maintaining order, in line with international norms and standards.” Read more at:
https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/09/03/violent-crackdown-on-protests-sparks-outcry.html
