Women’s Alliance Demonstrates as Amnesty International condemns activist Arrests in Indonesia
Jakarta, Indonesia – A women’s alliance held a peaceful rally in front of the Indonesian Parliament building on Tuesday, September 3, while Amnesty International issued a statement condemning the increasing number of deaths linked to recent demonstrations and the arrests of human rights activists across the country.
Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid expressed “deep concern” over the escalating situation, specifically citing the deaths related to last week’s protests and the arrests of Delpedro marhaen in Jakarta, Khariq Anhar in Banten, Syahdan Husein in Bali, and two legal representatives from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Manado and Samarinda.
Hamid criticized the deployment of the civilian security force Pam Swakarsa,warning it could exacerbate societal conflicts and signaling a shift towards “an authoritarian and repressive approach” by the state. He also highlighted the use of vague legal articles to justify silencing dissent, demanding the immediate release of all arrested activists.
“this must stop. Release them,” Hamid stated. He urged Indonesian authorities to prioritize democratic policing methods, emphasizing the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as outlined by the united nations Human Rights Office. He specifically called for the release of Delpedro, Syahdan, and hundreds of other protesters arrested since August 25.
The arrests stem from allegations of inciting unrest among students. Jakarta Police Public Relations Head Ary stated that Lokataru Foundation (LF) Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah, a Lokataru Foundation staff member (identified only by initials MS), and four others are accused of spreading incitement via social media, encouraging students to participate in potentially dangerous riots. Ary alleges DMR administered the LF Instagram account and collaborated with other accounts to spread calls for “anarchic acts” through hashtags and posts.
