September 3, 2025 | 08:35 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) is urging President Prabowo Subianto to immediately withdraw Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) military personnel involved alongside the police in maintaining public order.
YLBHI believes that the TNI's involvement in the civilian sphere is inconsistent with the mandate of the 1998 Reformation and does not comply with the 1945 Constitution, which mandates the TNI to focus on maintaining the security, integrity, and sovereignty of the state.
"We urge the President and Minister of Defense Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin to refrain from any efforts that could lead to the TNI's involvement in military operations outside of war that are inconsistent with the provisions of the constitution and applicable laws and regulations," said YLBHI Chairman Muhammad Isnur in a written statement on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Prabowo Subianto previously held a cabinet meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin stated that Prabowo requested that the TNI and Polri work together to maintain public security and well-being.
Prabowo instructed TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto and National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to take firm action against those who violate the law. Enforcement will also be taken against those who damage public and private facilities.
This instruction was issued to address the unrest following the death of an online motorcycle taxi driver named Affan Kurniawan, who was run over by a Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) vehicle. Following Affan's death, large-scale demonstrations were held in various regions.
The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) believes the Prabowo administration is spreading fear among its own citizens. This is evident in their efforts to quell recent mass demonstrations opposing various government policies that are not pro-people.
YLBHI's field monitoring revealed the use of Anoa 6x6 combat vehicles during joint TNI and Polri patrols in Jakarta, Bandung, and Yogyakarta. These combat vehicles were also deployed when authorities attacked demonstrators at the Bandung Islamic University and Pasundan University campuses on Monday, September 1, 2025.
On the ground, authorities also fired tear gas more than two hours after the student demonstration in Bandung dispersed. Tear gas was allegedly fired into the area of both campuses.
The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) recorded ten deaths during demonstrations over the past week. It also recorded 1,042 protesters injured and requiring hospitalization, and police arrests of at least 3,337 protesters.
Isnur stated that the number of deaths, injuries, and arrests of protesters demonstrates systematic repressive actions by authorities in handling mass demonstrations on the ground. YLBHI also views these actions as contradicting Article 28G of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees citizens' right to security.
"YLBHI reminds the government to reflect on itself and not ignore the various demands of the people voiced through mass demonstrations," Isnur said.
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