Why Amnesty Opposes the Military's Role in Securing Protests

Amnesty International Indonesia firmly opposes the deployment of the military to secure public demonstrations, according to Executive Director Usman Hamid. He argues that involving military forces in managing protests blurs the lines between civilian and military roles, potentially leading to excessive force and human rights abuses.

Hamid specifically criticizes the security measures that integrate the military with civil organizations during demonstrations. He believes this approach undermines democratic principles and the right to peaceful assembly. The organization advocates for the police to be the primary security force for protests, equipped with proper training in human rights and crowd management.

The organization's stance stems from concerns that military presence can escalate tensions and intimidate participants. Amnesty International Indonesia emphasizes that while security is important, it should not come at the cost of fundamental freedoms. They call for a clear separation of roles, ensuring that civilian authorities handle civilian matters, including public demonstrations.