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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Amnesty Calls for Military Withdrawal From Jakarta Protest

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Amnesty International Indonesia urged the immediate withdrawal of military and police from student protests in Jakarta.
  • The organization warned that the heavy security presence could intimidate civilians and increase the risk of excessive force.
  • Students are protesting budget spending, rising prices, and perceived militarization, demanding a review of state policies.

Amnesty International Indonesia has called for the immediate withdrawal of military and police personnel deployed to secure student-led demonstrations in Jakarta. Usman Hamid, the organization's executive director, warned that the large-scale deployment creates an intimidating atmosphere for civilians exercising their constitutional rights.

The massive deployment of police and military personnel in public spaces often creates an atmosphere of intimidation for civilians exercising their constitutional rights.

— Usman HamidExecutive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, explaining the risks of heavy security presence during protests.

Hamid questioned the military's involvement in managing civilian demonstrations, emphasizing that the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) mandate is national defense, not crowd control. He argued that demonstrators are citizens expressing views peacefully, not threats requiring a security approach. He cited violence during August 2025 protests as evidence of the dangers of excessive force by security personnel, which led to mass arrests and casualties.

The demonstrators are citizens peacefully expressing their views, not threats that must be dealt with through a security approach.

— Usman HamidExecutive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, questioning the military's role in managing civilian demonstrations.

The state has an obligation to provide a safe space for citizens to express opinions, Hamid stated, urging police to prioritize dialogue over repression. He also called on President Prabowo Subianto's administration to address students' demands, which include reviewing state budget spending, lowering prices for basic goods, canceling specific government programs, and ending perceived militarization in civilian affairs.

The state is obliged to provide a safe space for citizens to express their opinions.

— Usman HamidExecutive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, urging authorities to protect freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police and TNI have deployed thousands of personnel to secure the demonstrations. Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Budi Hermanto confirmed 4,151 personnel were assigned, including 500 soldiers and 3,651 police officers. He stated that the deployed personnel aim to ensure activities proceed safely and orderly without disrupting the public, while respecting the right to express views.

Student demonstrations are not a threat to national security. Authorities must protect freedom of expression and ensure the safety of demonstrators.

— Usman HamidExecutive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, addressing the government and security forces.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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