Amnesty International Condemns Security Crackdown During MotoGP Mandalika

Reports from credible sources in Lombok reveal excessive security measures surrounding the Mandalika Circuit ahead of the MotoGP, scheduled for September 27-29, 2024. Armed personnel have been deployed in security tents strategically positioned between residential areas and the Circuit.

From September 24-30, the NTB Regional Police initiated Operation Mandalika Gatari, mobilizing 2,736 personnel from the police and military, along with an additional 300 personnel from the National Police and East Java Police. This overwhelming presence underscores the state’s prioritization of security over civil liberties.

The NTB Police Chief has issued a directive prohibiting the public from displaying banners or staging demonstrations during the MotoGP, further curtailing the rights of local residents. This heavy security presence has been a consistent feature since the event’s inception in 2022.

Residents of 15 villages impacted by the Circuit and KEK Mandalika are grappling with unresolved land conflicts. Key issues include unpaid compensation, disputes over land measurements, and erroneous payments, leading to growing frustration among affected communities.

Large-scale infrastructure projects, designated as National Strategic Projects, have severely affected local populations, particularly indigenous communities. Their land, cultural rights, and local wisdom have often been overlooked in favor of development.

Indigenous advocates fighting for their rights frequently face backlash and intimidation. Since 2019, Amnesty International Indonesia has documented at least nine attacks against indigenous peoples, resulting in 89 victims of criminalization, intimidation, and violence.

The right to freedom of opinion and expression is protected by various legal instruments. Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guarantees this right, and it is enshrined in Indonesia’s Constitution and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.