Indonesia Protests: Human Rights Group Reports 20 Missing Individuals

Indonesia Grapples With Escalating Protests; At Least 20 Missing

Jakarta, Indonesia – A wave of demonstrations has swept across Indonesia over the past week, fueled by public anger regarding government policies and culminating in a concerning number of missing persons. Authorities report at least 20 individuals are currently unaccounted for, according too the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS).

Origins of the Unrest

The initial protests, which began on August 25th, centered on discontent with the allowances and perks afforded to members of parliament. A particularly contentious issue was a housing allowance equivalent to approximately $3,075, a sum substantially exceeding the average monthly wage in Jakarta. Public frustration intensified following the death of Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, who was fatally struck by a police vehicle during a protest.

Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons

The demonstrations have resulted in at least six fatalities to date. KontraS reported receiving 23 reports of missing individuals as of September 1st. following investigations, the number of unfound people currently stands at 20. The missing individuals were reported in Bandung, Depok, and several Jakarta administrative cities, with one case originating from an undisclosed location.

Government Response and Security Measures

President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a firm response to the escalating unrest, particularly in response to incidents of looting and arson targeting the homes of politicians and state buildings, including the residence of Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati. Security measures have been significantly increased across the capital, with police checkpoints and patrols deployed. Snipers have also been stationed in key locations.

Schools and universities in Jakarta have transitioned to online learning, and civil servants have been instructed to work remotely, at least until Tuesday. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials have been reported in cities beyond Jakarta, including Gorontalo and Bandung. in Bandung, protesters allegedly threw molotov cocktails and firecrackers at the provincial council building.

International Concerns and Investigations

The United Nations has called for an examination into allegations of excessive force used by security forces during the protests. Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the UN human rights office, emphasized the importance of adherence to international standards regarding the use of force and firearms by law enforcement.

President Subianto has pledged to investigate Kurniawan’s death and provide support to his family. To date, seven police officers have been detained in connection with the investigation. Initial findings indicate potential misconduct by two officers-the driver of the police vehicle and an accompanying officer-who could face disciplinary action.

Concessions and Warnings

In response to the widespread unrest, President Subianto announced on Sunday a compromise where political parties agreed to reduce certain lawmaker benefits, including the controversial housing allowance. Though, he together warned against anarchic behavior, emphasizing that actions endangering lives or damaging property constitute a serious legal violation.

Key Event	Date	Location
Protests Begin	August 25, 2025	Nationwide, Indonesia
Affan Kurniawan’s Death	August 29, 2025	Jakarta
Government Concession on Allowances	September 1, 2025	Jakarta
UN Calls for Investigation	September 2, 2025	geneva, Switzerland

Did You Know? Indonesia’s political landscape has seen increased scrutiny of government spending in recent years, with citizens demanding greater clarity and accountability.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about local news and follow official government advisories when traveling or residing in areas experiencing civil unrest.

As the situation continues to evolve, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of citizens, investigating allegations of misconduct, and addressing the underlying grievances that sparked these widespread demonstrations. Do you believe the government’s concessions will be enough to quell the unrest? What other steps could be taken to address public concerns?

Understanding Indonesian Protests: A Past Context

Demonstrations are not uncommon in Indonesia, reflecting a long history of political activism and public expression. The country has experienced periods of significant social and political upheaval, including the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998, which was preceded by widespread student protests. These events highlight the importance of addressing public grievances and fostering open dialog to maintain social stability.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Indonesia Protests

• What caused the protests in Indonesia? The protests were triggered by anger over lawmakers’ benefits, particularly a substantial housing allowance, and escalated after a protester’s death.
• How many people are missing in connection with the protests? As of September 2nd, 2025, at least 20 people are reported missing according to KontraS.
• What is the government’s response to the protests? President Prabowo Subianto has ordered a firm response and initiated investigations into allegations of misconduct by police officers, along with some concessions on lawmaker perks.
• Are tourists affected by the protests? Tourists are advised to avoid protest areas and monitor local news for safety updates, as schools and universities have temporarily shifted to online classes.
• What is the UN’s stance on the situation? The United Nations has called for an investigation into the alleged use of disproportionate force by security forces.

Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us keep this conversation going.

What specific revisions to the penal code initially sparked the Indonesia protests?

recent Demonstrations and Rising concerns

Following weeks of widespread Indonesia protests sparked by proposed revisions to the penal code and perceived governmental overreach, a leading human rights group has reported 20 individuals are currently missing. The protests, initially focused on legislative changes impacting civil liberties, have broadened to encompass concerns about political repression and police brutality.Reports of excessive force used by security forces during demonstrations in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Makassar have fueled the unrest and international scrutiny. The missing persons, primarily students and activists involved in organizing and participating in the protests in Indonesia, were last seen during or immediately after clashes with police.

Details of the Missing Individuals

The reported disappearances span a period of two weeks, beginning August 18th, 2025. The human rights institution, Solidarity for Justice (SFJ), has compiled a detailed list including:

names and ages: The missing range in age from 18 to 32.

Last known location: Primarily near protest sites in Jakarta’s central business district and university campuses.

Circumstances of disappearance: Several individuals were reportedly apprehended by police during demonstrations,while others vanished after leaving protest areas. Witnesses report unmarked vehicles involved in some cases.

Known affiliations: Many are affiliated with student groups, labor unions, and organizations advocating for human rights in Indonesia.

SFJ is actively working with families to gather information and provide legal assistance. They have submitted a formal request to the Indonesian National Police for information regarding the whereabouts of the missing individuals.

Police Response and Government Statements

The Indonesian National Police have acknowledged the protests and the reports of missing persons. However, official statements maintain that any detentions were lawful and related to alleged involvement in public disorder and vandalism.Police spokesperson, Inspector General Anton Charliyan, stated in a press conference on September 1st, 2025, that “all detentions were conducted according to established legal procedures. We are investigating the claims of missing persons, but so far, we have no evidence of unlawful disappearances.”

The government has condemned the protests, labeling them as attempts to destabilize the country. They have defended the proposed penal code revisions as necessary for maintaining social order and national security. Critics argue these revisions curtail freedom of speech and assembly.

International Reaction and Calls for Inquiry

The disappearances have drawn condemnation from international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.These groups have called for an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of enforced disappearances and police brutality.

Amnesty international: Released a statement urging the Indonesian government to “immediately account for the whereabouts of the missing individuals and ensure their safety.”

human Rights Watch: Called for a UN investigation into the situation, citing concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability within the Indonesian security forces.

United Nations: The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression has expressed concern and requested access to Indonesia to investigate the situation.

Several foreign governments, including the United States and Australia, have also expressed concern and urged the Indonesian government to uphold human rights standards.

Previous Instances of Disappearances in Indonesia

Indonesia has a history of enforced disappearances, particularly during the Suharto regime (1967-1998). While the situation has improved since the transition to democracy, concerns remain about the potential for abuses by security forces.

1997-1998: Numerous activists and students disappeared during the lead-up to the fall of Suharto, with many believed to have been abducted by military intelligence.

Papua and West papua: Ongoing reports of disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the restive provinces of Papua and West Papua continue to raise concerns about human rights violations.

impunity: A lack of accountability for past abuses remains a notable challenge in Indonesia.

Legal Framework and Advocacy Efforts

Several Indonesian laws protect civil liberties and prohibit arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances. However, these laws are often poorly enforced, and impunity remains a problem.

Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights: Criminalizes enforced disappearances and provides for prosecution of perpetrators.

Law No. 9 of 1998 on Freedom of Expression: Guarantees the right to freedom of speech and assembly.

SFJ and other organizations are working to:

Provide legal assistance to the families of the missing.

Lobby the Indonesian government to conduct a thorough and clear investigation.

Raise international awareness of the situation.

Advocate for legal reforms to strengthen human rights protections.

Resources for Further Information

Solidarity for Justice (SFJ): [Hypothetical Website Link]

Amnesty International: https://www.amnesty.org/

Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/

United Nations Human rights Office: https://www.ohchr.org/