Student Activist Allegedly Detained by Prosecutors in West Sumatra

Concerns are mounting over the alleged forceful apprehension of Fadil Ramadhan, a student activist from UIN Imam Bonjol in Padang, by the West Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati Sumbar) on Sunday, July 12th. The activist's detention is reportedly linked to a demonstration organized by the Muslim Student Union (SEMMI) in West Sumatra on Friday, July 10th.

The Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) Padang has voiced significant apprehension regarding this incident, highlighting potential threats to citizens' constitutional rights to freedom of expression and public assembly. In response to the alleged abduction, numerous student activists from various organizations gathered at the Kejati Sumbar office in Padang to ascertain Fadil's condition and monitor the ongoing process.

"Based on various circulating information, Fadil was visited by Prosecutor's Office officials at his residence and taken to the West Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office on Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2026. During this process, students from various organizations came to the Kejati Sumbar office to ensure his condition and oversee the ongoing process," stated Adrizal, Head of Advocacy Division at LBH Padang, in a written statement on Monday, July 13th. He added that several journalists also experienced restrictions in accessing information while attempting to cover the events.

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Based on various circulating information, Fadil was visited by Prosecutor's Office officials at his residence and taken to the West Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office on Sunday afternoon, July 12, 2026. During this process, students from various organizations came to the Kejati Sumbar office to ensure his condition and oversee the ongoing process.

Adrizal further elaborated that the alleged forceful apprehension could constitute human rights violations and an abuse of power within a democratic state governed by the rule of law. "Regardless of the differing narratives circulating, the main issue that should concern the public is not merely the term 'apprehension' or 'invitation,' but whether the state apparatus's action of approaching an protest participant and bringing them to the Prosecutor's Office was based on clear legal authority, accountable procedures, and did not result in intimidation against citizens exercising their constitutional rights."

LBH Padang emphasized that in a democratic legal state, all actions by state apparatus must adhere to the principle of legality, meaning every exercise of authority must have a clear legal basis, be carried out by authorized officials, follow legally prescribed procedures, and be legally accountable. They noted that the information they received suggests the process of apprehension by the prosecutor's office did not comply with established legal procedures as outlined in Law Number 11 of 2021 concerning...

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Regardless of the differing narratives circulating, the main issue that should concern the public is not merely the term 'apprehension' or 'invitation,' but whether the state apparatus's action of approaching an protest participant and bringing them to the Prosecutor's Office was based on clear legal authority, accountable procedures, and did not result in intimidation against citizens exercising their constitutional rights.