Indonesia: Investigate security forces’ violence against protesters
CIVICUS calls on the Indonesian authorities to immediately investigate and punish security forces personnel responsible for unleashing violence against peaceful protesters. The global civil society alliance condemns the excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests of mass protesters.
“The brutal crackdown on protests against Parliament's attempts to rig election laws shows a blatant disregard of the right to peaceful assembly. Indonesia is bound by both national and international laws to respect protest rights. The authorities must publicly condemn violence, hold perpetrators to account, and unconditionally release those detained," said Josef Benedict, CIVICUS Asia researcher
More than 200 protesters, including minors, were arbitrarily arrested and detained without due process or any sufficient or credible evidence in Jakarta. Most have been released.
On 22 August 2024, thousands of people including students took to the streets across Indonesia as the law makers prepared to reverse a Constitutional Court order on candidate age restrictions. The amendments would have allowed outgoing President Joko Widodo’s youngest son to contest, further enhancing the political influence of Widodo. This plan was halted following the protests.
Police attacked protests near the parliament in Jakarta with tear gas and water cannons. Reports and videos showed police physically assaulting protestors with batons and kicking them. Many suffered injuries and were hospitalized. Military personnel were also seen committing violence against protesters. Crackdowns on protests were also reported in other cities including Bandung, Semarang, and Makassar.
Some protesters are now facing charges. Among those arrested include activists from civil society groups Lembaga Bantuan Hukum Jakarta and Lokataru. Reports show that lawyers were denied access and prevented from providing legal aid to the detained protesters. Some protesters were also doxed by the authorities.
Journalists Safety Committee (KKJ) reports that journalists were also targeted. At least 11 journalists were intimidated, threatened, or suffered injuries.
In May 2024, the UN Human Rights Committee that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) raised concerns about harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and excessive use of force faced by peaceful protesters, members of civil society, students, academics, and trade union leaders in Indonesia.
“People still in detention for peacefully exercising their rights must be freed immediately and unconditionally, with all charges dropped. A clear message must be sent to the security forces to exercise restraint when policing protests in line with Indonesia’s international human rights obligations including the ICCPR and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, considering minors were involved," added Benedict.
CIVICUS calls for authorities to follow due process and to respect and protect human rights and people’s fundamental freedoms of citizens at all times.
Indonesia is currently rated Obstructed by the CIVICUS Monitor.
