Calls for Investigation: Excessive Force Alleged in Semarang and Makassar Protests

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS- The Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has called on regional police forces to review their response to recent demonstrations in Semarang, Central Java, and Makassar, South Sulawesi. These protests occurred on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Komnas HAM Chairwoman Atnike Nova Sigiro urged the regional police chiefs to evaluate allegations of excessive force used by security personnel during the protests.

“We urge the police chiefs of Central Java and South Sulawesi to assess the use of violence by security forces in managing and dispersing the demonstrations by students and the public,” Sigiro stated in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The Commission emphasized the importance of non-violent methods in maintaining public order and advocated for a more humane and measured approach to handling protests.

Additionally, Komnas HAM called on law enforcement to ensure that protest participants have access to legal assistance, warning that denying such access could infringe on human rights, specifically the right to justice.

Sigiro also encouraged all parties to exercise their rights to assemble and express opinions responsibly while maintaining a conducive security environment.

“It is crucial to uphold the democratic space of our nation, both now and in the future,” she added.

This appeal follows reports that security forces employed tear gas, arrested demonstrators, and conducted sweeps into public areas such as malls during the Semarang and Makassar protests on August 26.

Sigiro reminded that excessive force and violence in handling demonstrations risk violating human rights, particularly the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. (Uki Ruknuddin)