Three Dead as Protests erupt Across Indonesia, Parliament Building set Ablaze
Jakarta, Indonesia – At least three people have died after clashes between riot police and protesters escalated across multiple Indonesian cities on Friday, culminating in an angry mob setting fire to a parliament building. Demonstrations took place in Medan, Solo, Yogyakarta, Magelang, Malang, Bengkulu, Pekanbaru and Manokwari in the easternmost Papua region.
The unrest comes amid widespread demonstrations against a controversial new criminal code and proposed revisions to laws regarding political parties. Authorities reported approximately 25 officers were hospitalised with serious injuries after being attacked by protesters in Jakarta. The National Commission on Human Rights stated that 950 people were arrested in Jakarta alone by Thursday. The commission believes the number of injured protesters is significantly higher than reported.
Amnesty International has criticised the Indonesian governmentS response, alleging suppression of free speech through crackdowns on public protests. “No one should lose their lives for exercising their right to protest,” said Usman Hamid,the Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia. “The authorities must promptly and unconditionally release anyone detained solely for exercising their rights.”
The situation remains volatile as authorities attempt to restore order.
Wires/ABC
