September 2, 2025 | 06:22 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has urged authorities not to use excessive force in handling the recent spate of protests or demonstrations. The Minister emphasized that measures to handle the demonstrations must adhere to human rights principles and standards.
"Stay true to human rights principles and standards by avoiding the use of excessive force," Pigai said in a written statement on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto summoned National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and Indonesian National Armed Forces Commander General Agus Subiyanto amid the escalating situation following the death of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan. During the meeting, Listyo stated that Prabowo ordered authorities to take firm action to address the anarchic actions that have erupted in several regions.
Pigai stated that the President's assertive action must adhere to applicable laws and regulations and international human rights standards.
Meanwhile, motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan was one of the victims of police brutality. He died after being run over by a police Brimob (mobile brigade) tactical vehicle from the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) in the Bendungan Hilir II Flats area, Central Jakarta, on Thursday evening, August 28, 2025. The 21-year-old man fell while trying to retrieve his cell phone, which had fallen amidst the crowd.
"He was in the middle of the road, his cell phone fell. He was trying to pick it up and a car came and ran him over," said Erna from the Mobile Rapid Response Unit (URC) online motorcycle taxi community at the funeral home in Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday, August 29, 2025.
Video footage circulating on social media shows the victim falling and being lifted immediately after being run over. His bloodied face was immediately carried by bystanders and placed on a motorcycle to an ambulance. Affan was pronounced dead at 7:50 PM WIB at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM).
National Police Chief Sigit also ordered his officers to shoot anyone who acts anarchistically and breaks into the Brimob headquarters. "It's unlawful to attack the headquarters, it's unlawful. And if they break into the dormitory, shoot. Your colleagues will have rubber bullets too," said Sigit in a video seen by Tempo on Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Sigit stated that he would take responsibility if anyone blamed the firm action. "Don't hesitate, if anyone blames the National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit is ready to be removed," he said.
Eka Yudha and Intan Setiawanty contributed to this article.
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