Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has directed Indonesian law enforcement to take decisive action against escalating protests, but officials are emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights principles throughout the response.The directive comes after demonstrations intensified following the death of an online motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, last Thursday near the Parliament Complex.
Maintaining Order While Respecting Rights
Table of Contents
- 1. Maintaining Order While Respecting Rights
- 2. Escalating Protests and Government Response
- 3. Understanding the right to Protest
- 4. frequently Asked Questions About Protests in Indonesia
- 5. how might the revisions to Indonesia’s penal code, specifically Articles 218, 240, and 244, impact the ability of citizens to peacefully protest government policies?
- 6. Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister Calls for Moderation in Protest Crackdown
- 7. Recent Protests and Government Response
- 8. Minister’s Statement and Calls for Restraint
- 9. Concerns from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international
- 10. Legal Framework and Indonesian law
- 11. Case Study: 2019 Papua Protests
- 12. Benefits of Moderation and Peaceful Resolution
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has stressed that any firm action taken by authorities must be consistent with both Indonesian law and internationally recognized human rights standards. He specifically cautioned against the use of excessive force in managing demonstrations. This statement echoed President Subianto’s reference to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which recognizes the right to peaceful assembly according to Pigai.
Pigai Urged all parties involved to express their concerns and aspirations peacefully and lawfully. He expressed confidence that President Prabowo’s policies will ultimately lead to positive social change and greater justice.
Escalating Protests and Government Response
The protests began after Affan Kurniawan was fatally struck by a police vehicle. The unrest has since expanded, leading to damage to public property, including bus stations, and reports of looting targeting the homes of several government officials. Indonesian authorities are attempting to quell the demonstrations while navigating calls for accountability and restraint.
The Ministry of Human Rights has established a public complaint hotline – 150145 – and a dedicated monitoring team to investigate potential human rights violations during the protests. This team will specifically focus on cases of injury, detention and death. Coordination with the police will be crucial to ensure that any detained protesters are treated in accordance with human rights protocols,according to the ministry.
Did You Know? Indonesia ratified the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in 2005, committing the nation to uphold freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
| Event | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Death of affan Kurniawan | August 28,2025 | Near Parliament Complex,Jakarta |
| President Prabowo’s Directive | August 31,2025 | Jakarta |
| Human Rights Minister’s Statement | September 1,2025 | Jakarta |
pro Tip: When participating in protests,it is vital to understand your rights and responsibilities under the law,as well as peacefully expressing your views without inciting violence.
Understanding the right to Protest
The right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of democratic societies. It allows citizens to express their grievances, advocate for change, and hold their governments accountable. However, this right is not absolute. Governments have a legitimate interest in maintaining public order and protecting the rights and safety of others.
Striking a balance between these competing interests-the right to protest and the need for public order-is a constant challenge for authorities worldwide.International human rights law provides a framework for this balance, emphasizing the need for proportionality and restraint in the use of force by law enforcement officials. Amnesty International provides comprehensive resources on the right to protest and the obligations of states.
frequently Asked Questions About Protests in Indonesia
- What are the legal limits on protests in Indonesia?
Protests in indonesia are legally permitted, but require notification to authorities and must be conducted peacefully.
- What is the role of the Human Rights Minister?
The Human Rights Minister is responsible for safeguarding human rights and ensuring that government actions comply with international standards.
- What happens if protesters are arrested?
Detained protesters are entitled to legal portrayal and must be treated humanely,according to Indonesian law and international human rights norms.
- How does the government balance security with the right to protest?
The government aims to balance security with the right to protest by enabling peaceful assembly, while taking action against violence and vandalism.
- What international laws govern the right to protest?
The international Covenant on civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) is a key international law governing the right to peaceful assembly.
- what is the current situation regarding protests in Jakarta?
Protests are ongoing in Jakarta following the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, with authorities attempting to restore order while upholding human rights.
What are your thoughts on the government’s response to the protests? Share your opinions in the comments below!
how might the revisions to Indonesia’s penal code, specifically Articles 218, 240, and 244, impact the ability of citizens to peacefully protest government policies?
Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister Calls for Moderation in Protest Crackdown
Recent Protests and Government Response
Recent demonstrations across Indonesia, sparked by proposed revisions to the penal code and concerns over economic hardship, have been met wiht a firm response from authorities. Reports of tear gas deployment, arrests, and alleged excessive force have raised concerns among human rights organizations. The proposed changes to the penal code, particularly articles concerning freedom of expression and assembly, are central to the unrest. These revisions have been criticized for perhaps curtailing civil liberties and stifling dissent.
Key protest locations include Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta, with student groups and civil society organizations leading the charge. The government maintains that the protests, while exercising a constitutional right, have occasionally devolved into public disorder requiring intervention.
Minister’s Statement and Calls for Restraint
Indonesia’s Human Rights Minister, Yasonna Laoly, has publicly urged security forces to exercise moderation in their handling of the protests. Laoly emphasized the importance of upholding the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by the Indonesian constitution. He stated that while maintaining public order is crucial, it should not come at the expense of fundamental human rights.
Specifically,the Minister called for:
Proportionality in Force: Avoiding the use of excessive force and prioritizing de-escalation tactics.
Respect for Due Process: Ensuring that all arrested protesters are treated fairly and have access to legal representation.
clarity in Investigations: Conducting thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of police misconduct.
Dialog with Protesters: Encouraging open dialogue between authorities and protest leaders to address grievances.
This statement represents a critically important intervention from within the government, signaling a potential internal debate regarding the appropriate response to the demonstrations. The Minister’s stance aligns with Indonesia’s commitments to international human rights standards.
Concerns from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international
international human rights organizations have voiced strong concerns regarding the crackdown.Human rights Watch has documented instances of alleged police brutality, including the use of tear gas in confined spaces and arbitrary arrests. Amnesty International has called for an autonomous examination into the allegations of excessive force and urged the Indonesian government to respect the rights of protesters.
These organizations highlight the following key issues:
Restrictions on Freedom of Assembly: Concerns that the proposed penal code revisions will further restrict the right to peaceful protest.
Police Accountability: A lack of accountability for alleged human rights violations committed by security forces.
Access to Legal Counsel: Reports of protesters being denied access to lawyers during detention.
The Use of force Against Journalists: Several reports have surfaced detailing harassment and obstruction of journalists covering the protests.
Legal Framework and Indonesian law
Indonesia’s constitution guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, but these rights are subject to limitations outlined in various laws. Law No.9 of 1998 concerning Freedom of Expression in Public, for example, regulates the exercise of these rights. Though, critics argue that these laws are frequently enough vaguely worded and can be used to suppress dissent.
The proposed revisions to the penal code are particularly contentious. Key articles under debate include:
- Article 218: Concerns over criminalizing defamation of the state, potentially chilling criticism of government policies.
- Article 240: Broadly defined provisions regarding “insulting the government,” raising fears of arbitrary application.
- Article 244: Restrictions on expressing opinions deemed to be “against the national interest.”
These articles, if enacted, could significantly curtail freedom of expression and create a climate of self-censorship.
Case Study: 2019 Papua Protests
The current situation echoes the protests that erupted in Papua and West Papua in 2019, triggered by alleged racism and police brutality. Those protests also resulted in a heavy-handed response from security forces, leading to numerous arrests and reports of human rights abuses. The government at the time promised investigations and reforms, but critics argue that little meaningful change has occurred. This history contributes to the current distrust and heightened tensions.
Benefits of Moderation and Peaceful Resolution
A moderate approach to managing protests offers several benefits:
Strengthened Democracy: Respecting the right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Reduced Polarization: Dialogue and engagement can help bridge divides and reduce social tensions.
Improved International Reputation: Upholding human rights standards enhances Indonesia’s standing on the global stage.
**Long
