The State Must Ensure Accountability, End Police Repression and Violence, and Listen to the Aspirations of Civil Society and Women Amidst Social and Economic Pressures
Responding to Violence by the Authorities against Demonstrators on August 25 and 28, 2025
“The State Must Ensure Accountability, End Police Repression and Violence, and Listen to the Aspirations of Civil Society and Women Amidst Social and Economic Pressures”
Jakarta, August 31, 2025
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) strongly condemns the violent actions of police officers against demonstrations held on August 25 and 28, 2025. The expression of public aspirations through demonstrations is guaranteed by Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia (UUD 1945) which states that every person shall have the right to freedom of association, assembly, and expression of opinion as well as Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which was ratified through Law No. 12 of 2005, and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
Komnas Perempuan deplores and demands accountability for the repressive actions of beatings, mob violence, and the alleged use of expired tear gas, which resulted in injuries to demonstrators and local residents. Police officers even used tactical vehicles in violation of standard operating procedures, resulting in the death of Affan Kurniawan, an online motorcycle taxi driver. In this regard, Komnas Perempuan expresses its deepest condolences to the victim's family.
These acts of violence clearly contradict the guarantee of constitutional rights, especially freedom from violence and torture, as stated in Article 28I paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia as well as contradict the Regulation of the Chief of Police (Perkapolri) No. 8 of 2009 on the Implementation of Human Rights Principles and Standards in Carrying Out Police Duties.
In responding to these acts of violence by the authorities, Komnas Perempuan has also coordinated with the Cooperation for the Prevention of Torture (KuPP) Team consisting of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (ORI), and the National Commission on Disabilities (KND) in responding to these acts of violence by the authorities.
Acording to Komnas HAM’s data, there were 351 arrests (in the 25/8 action) and around 600 arrests (28/8 action), as well as arrests of demonstrators in other regions. Komnas Perempuan noted that these acts of violence carried out by the authorities targeted residents doing activities around the demonstration area. One of which was recorded by the media, where a woman was injured and her work equipment damaged by tear gas.
Violence by authorities against demonstrations not only injures citizens but also erodes democracy and public trust in the state. Amidst the public’s growing disillusionment with the increasingly oppressive social, economic, and political conditions of recent times — such as tax increases at the national and regional levels, economic pressures, and statements by some members of parliament deemed lacking empathy for the people's economic hardship — demonstrations provide a legitimate outlet for expressing aspirations. It is crucial to ensure that citizens’ space for expression through demonstrations remains respected as part of their constitutional right to voice their opinions.
Therefore, law enforcement officers must return to their primary mandate, specifically to protect the people and ensure peace, as well as to support and safeguard citizens who express their aspirations and opinions. Their resort to excessive force has the potential for abuse and the sowing of fear among the public. This situation must be of serious concern to the Indonesian Government, the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR RI) and regional governments, as if they do not improve the accountability of the performance and behaviour of state institutions they will not remain in line with the people’s mandate.
Komnas Perempuan emphasized the importance of enforcing, with no room for impunity, the accountability of police officers who commit violence, as well as ensuring the comprehensive recovery of victims. Furthermore, to ensure there is no further intimidation, Komnas Perempuan has urged for the release of demonstrators still detained, including children who were arbitrarily arrested.
Komnas Perempuan is observing the escalation of demonstrations in several regions, such as Depok, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Mataram, and other cities, as well as the potential for mass violence and widespread unrest. Komnas Perempuan urges the government and police to refrain from using a repressive approach and from taking extreme measures that restrict civil liberties or instill fear in the community. In carrying out their duties and functions, all parties must remain within the corridor of proportionality and in accordance with human rights standards.
Based on deep concern on the developing situation, Komnas Perempuan recommends:
The President and the House of Representatives be responsive and not turn a blind eye to the root causes of the demonstrations, and take strategic steps and policies that prioritize a sense of justice. This includes reviewing House of Representatives allowances and facilities that undermine public trust, canceling irrelevant awards and celebrations, as well as holding multiple positions and distributing positions to political elites. These steps are crucial to prevent the Government and The House of Representatives from further exacerbating the crisis of public trust amidst the difficult economic situation caused by efficiency measures, layoffs, tax increases, and the burden of the cost of living.
The Chief of the National Police (Polri) affirm a human rights-based approach in carrying out the mandate to protect the public, particularly amid the recent escalation of demonstrations, as well as stop arbitrary arrests and release protesters arrested in Jakarta and the regions. The Chief of the National Police must also ensure that every citizen arrested has easy, fair, and discrimination-free access to legal aid.
The House of Representatives must immediately improve the accountability of the performance and behavior of legislative institutions, while simultaneously opening up space for meaningful dialogue with the community in order to realize the improvements demanded by the public.
Civilians who experience and witness acts of violence, arbitrary arrests, and the loss of family members during demonstrations immediately report these to civil society complaint channels and national human rights institutions.
Komnas Perempuan supports the community in expressing their aspirations and opinions in wise ways, strengthening and protecting fellow citizens, not damaging public facilities and shared spaces, as well as without injuring, damaging, or dividing or bringing up ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group (SARA) sentiments, so that the aspirations and hopes of citizens can become a shared strength to realize justice.
Resource Persons:
Yuni Asriyanti
Dahlia Madanih
Maria Ulfah Anshor
Contact Person:
Elsa Faturahmah (081389371400)
