The Stance of National Human Rights Institutions Regardings Demonstrations in Various Regions in Indonesia and Their Handling

THE STANCE OF NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS INSTITUTIONS REGARDING DEMONSTRATIONS IN VARIOUS REGIONS IN INDONESIA AND THEIR HANDLING 

National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are paying close attention to the demonstrations and related incidents occurring in various regions across Indonesia. Each institution is actively investigating them within its respective jurisdictions. 

Since August 25, 2025, the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has been monitoring the situation in three regions: Jakarta, Bandung, and Solo, and continues to monitor media and social media in at least 17 regions across Indonesia. To date, Komnas HAM has recorded 10 deaths in the wave of demonstrations across Indonesia. 

In Jakarta, Komnas HAM’s field monitoring found that from August 25–31, 2025, 1,683 protesters were detained at the Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police (Polda Metro Jaya) Headquarters, with most of them released. Komnas HAM also found that 250 victims were taken to hospitals, with 9 (nine) being treated as inpatients and 241 as outpatients across various hospitals in Jakarta. There were also 2 (two) deaths reported, namely Affan Kurniawan and Andika Lutfi Falah. 

In Bandung, Komnas HAM coordinated with relevant agencies and found that from August 28, 2025, to September 1, 2025, 429 protesters received medical treatment. As much as 46 of them were referred to hospitals, and 2 (two) remain hospitalized. The Komnas HAM team is currently continuing its field review and confirming the number of protesters detained by police in and around Bandung. 

In Solo, Komnas HAM found that 89 people were arrested between August 29–31, 2025, but all have been released to be rehabilitated due to their juvenile age. On Monday, September 1, 2025, 14 (fourteen) children were arrested on suspicion of carrying Molotov cocktails and are currently under investigation. Further, several injured victims were found, both among the protesters and the police who secured the protest. Komnas HAM plans to monitor the situation and conduct field inspections in several other regions in Indonesia in the near future. 

Meanwhile, based on media monitoring conducted by the National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan), during the period of action from August 25–31, 2025, there were 36,117 news reports from 2,473 online media outlets covering the widespread demonstrations in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Makassar, to Papua and Riau. In addition, reports from civil society organizations and service institutions to Komnas Perempuan found that the action area expanded to 22 other regions, namely Aceh, Medan, Padang, Bekasi, Cirebon, Brebes, Yogyakarta, Pekalongan, Semarang, Sumenep, Kediri, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Palopo, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Palu, Manado, Kendari, Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). 

Field findings also show that women and girls were specific targets of repression, ranging from detention without procedure, sexual harassment in demonstration spaces and through digital messages, to hate speech with ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group (SARA) and sexist nuances as well as hoax news used to silence critical voices and create fear. 

At the same time, vulnerable groups such as those with disabilities and the elderly face mobility barriers and difficulty escaping  clashes during demonstrations, as well as are at high risk from sweeps and patrols by authorities. This pattern repeats the dark experience of the May 1998 Tragedy, where hoax news was used to silence critical voices and instill fear. Komnas Perempuan has identified at least four hoaxes circulating on social media about rape and sexual violence, with the number potentially increasing. 

Komnas Perempuan also highlights internet connection restrictions at protest sites in several regions, as well as the practice of confiscating mobile phones from arrested citizens. Network shutdowns and confiscation of communication devices prevent victims from seeking help, hinder documentation of violence, and further isolate women, especially women who attempt to report threats of violence. 

Furthermore, Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (ORI) also found that some post-demonstration victims are still hospitalized, but no one is covering their medical expenses. Moreover, state losses resulting from anarchic acts that damage public facilities also require attention from both the central and regional governments. 

The National Commission on Disabilities (KND) also stresses that in situations of riots or mass violence, persons with disabilities are at higher risk of becoming victims due to limited access to protection, evacuation, and information. On the other hand, the violence can also lead to new disabilities, both physical and mental, in individuals who previously did not have disabilities. The impact is felt not only by the individuals directly affected but also by their families, who must face increased psychosocial and economic burdens. Therefore, a peaceful approach and the protection of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, must be a priority. 

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) conclude that the handling of demonstrations through arrests generally impacts victims’ willingness and ability to seek protection. LPSK found that advocates and victims’ families needed access to legal assistance and information about the legal process. This also relates to the formal requirements for submitting protection requests. Several protest participants are still experiencing trauma, and victims’ families are still reluctant to sign power of attorney due to concerns. 

Based on LPSK visits to several hospitals, there were injured victims among protesters, police officers, and members of the public. Several hospitals received referrals for protest victims and provided free treatment, funded by local governments and related institutions. However, for seriously injured victims who still require long-term care and psychological rehabilitation, further assessment is required. 

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) also found that many officers in the field lacked a proper understanding of how to properly treat children in conflict with the law, as stipulated in the Child Protection Law and the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law. In several police stations, KPAI assisted families with accessing legal aid and developing allegations of inhuman treatment and restrictions on communication with families.’ 

Despite the various findings during the series of demonstrations, NHRIs commend the various peaceful actions and mutual support initiatives undertaken by citizens from various groups, both offline and online. This affirms the public’s rejection of provocation, anarchic acts, and the misuse of ethnic, religious, racial and inter-group (SARA) issues.  

Regional leaders and other state officials in several regions who have opened their doors to listen to the protesters’ aspirations are a good example that should be emulated and continued throughout Indonesia. This openness of information and dialogue has been proven to reduce conflict and acts of violence. 

Therefore, based on the findings of each institution and in response to the current situation which continues to develop, NHRIs recommend the following to the parties: 

1. The National Police to: 
   1. release protesters arrested and detained at the Regional Police, Resort Police, and Sector Police; 
   2. refrain from repressive actions in securing demonstrations, using excessive force, and remain guided by human rights principles and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the governance of demonstration security; 
   3. provide access to legal assistance to victims currently detained at the Regional Police, Resort Police, and Sector Police; 
   4. Treat children in conflict with the law humanely and implement law enforcement processes as stipulated in the Child Protection Law and the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Law. 
2. Work effectively and professionally, prioritizing the safety of civilians, and coordinate the situation with relevant government officials; 
3. The Indonesian National Police and the Indonesian Military must work effectively, professionally, and prioritize the safety of civilians as well as coordinate the situation with relevant government officials; 
   1. The Government and the House of Representatives (DPR) to: 
   2. respect, protect, and fulfill the right of every citizen to express their opinions in public as the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and guarantee the freedom of the press for journalists in carrying out their duties; 
4. open space for public participation, criticism, dialogue, and aspirations, and avoid statements, attitudes, and actions that have the potential to cause public unrest; 
   1. The Central and Regional Governments to: 
   2. Provide evacuation facilities, medical services, as well as assistance for victims and affected communities. 
5. Immediately revitalize public facilities damaged by the incidents. 
6. Urge the public to continue to hold peaceful demonstrations, maintain a conducive situation, as well as avoid all forms of provocation and not be provoked by anarchic actions that will harm the community. 

JAKARTA, SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION HUMAN RIGHTS (KOMNAS HAM) 

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN (KOMNAS PEREMPUAN) 

THE OMBUDSMAN OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA (ORI) 

THE NATIONAL COMMISSION ON DISABILITIES (KND) 

THE WITNESS AND VICTIM PROTECTION AGENCY (LPSK) 

THE INDONESIAN CHILD PROTECTION COMMISSION (KPAI)