September 1, 2025 | 08:04 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International criticized Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's statement mentioning efforts to take legal action against subversion and terrorism in the recent week-long unrest following demonstrations. Prabowo made this statement accompanied by the leaders of political parties in a press conference at the palace on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
According to Amnesty, labeling the people's demonstrations with these two accusations is excessive. "The president's statement is not sensitive to all the complaints and aspirations voiced by the people in the demonstrations," said Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia in a written statement on Sunday.
Usman mentioned that the state should not turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the aspirations expressed by the people in the demonstrations across various regions. At the very least, he said, the state should conduct an independent and reliable investigation.
Meanwhile, Amnesty believes that the urgent action the state needs to take now is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of state policies concerning the social and economic livelihood of the people. These include policies such as property and land tax increases, free nutritious meal programs, extravagant allowances for officials, as well as the issue of the military's expanded role in non-defense matters and improving the welfare of the people.
"These are the critical issues that have been continuously voiced by the people," he stated.
In addition, Amnesty International Indonesia urges the state to promptly improve the pattern of rally security to be humane and without repression. The state should act as a protector, not an oppressor of the people.
"Do not divide society by saying that demonstrations are part of an effort to divide the nation. Listen to their aspirations and prioritize a human rights approach in responding to every demonstration," said Usman.
Prabowo has instructed the National Police and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to take firm action against the destruction of public facilities, house looting, and economic centers, in accordance with applicable laws. Firm measures will be taken in the event of anarchist acts, damaging public facilities, casualties, and threats and looting of public and private houses.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to this article.
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