September 2, 2025 | 11:18 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United Nations (UN) on Monday called for an investigation into the alleged use of disproportionate force by authorities after 10 people died in protests across Indonesia. The protests were triggered by public outrage over the lavish allowances given to parliament members and the government's extravagant policies leading to budget tightening.
"We are following closely the spate of violence in Indonesia in the context of nationwide protests over parliamentary allowances, austerity measures, and alleged use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by security forces," said the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani as quoted by Barron's.
"We stress the importance of dialogue to address the public's concerns," she added.
The UN Human Rights Office called for a prompt, thorough, and transparent investigation into "all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force," she stated.
The spokesperson mentioned that all security forces, including the military when deployed in law enforcement capacity, should adhere to the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by the police.
"The authorities must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while maintaining order, in line with international norms and standards, in relation to the policing of public assemblies," Shamdasani stated.
She also emphasized the importance of allowing the media to report events freely and independently.
The demonstrations in Indonesia initially started peacefully but turned violent after a video recording showed the country's elite paramilitary police unit crushing an online motorcycle taxi driver with a 14-ton armored vehicle on Thursday night.
Since then, the protests have spread from Jakarta to other major cities in the worst rioting since President Prabowo Subianto came into power less than a year ago.
As of Monday night, it was reported that 10 people died across Indonesia due to police violence or fires.
They are:
1. Affan Kurniawan (21), Jakarta, crushed by the police Brimob armored vehicle on August 28, 2025
2. Septinus Sesa, Manokwari, allegedly died from tear gas on August 28
3. Muhammad Akbar Basri (26), Makassar, victim of the DPRD Building fire on August 29
4. Sarina Wati (25), Makassar, victim of the DPRD Building fire on August 29
5. Saiful Akbar (43). Makassar, victim of the DPRD Building fire on August 29
6. Rusdamdiansyah (26), Makassar, victim of unknown assailants on August 29
7. Rheza Sendy Pratama (21), Yogyakarta, allegedly victim of police violence on August 31
8. Sumari (60), Solo, victim of police tear gas
9. Andika Lutfi Falah, Tangerang, allegedly victim of police assault
10. Iko Juliant Junior, Semarang, allegedly victim of police assault
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