JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – As Indonesia prepares for the inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as president on 20 October 2024, Amnesty International Indonesia urges the new government to prioritize the promotion and protection of human rights.

The transition marks an opportunity for a fresh approach to accountability, following the shortcomings of the previous administration under Joko Widodo.

While the Jokowi government made strides in infrastructure and economic growth, it was marred by serious human rights violations.

“Repressive practices—including the suppression of free expression, marginalization of Indigenous communities, environmental neglect, and a culture of impunity—represent serious breaches of Indonesia’s international human rights commitments,” stated Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia.

“The new leadership must prioritize ending these violations and fostering a more just and inclusive society.”

During Jokowi’s tenure, human rights defenders, journalists, and environmental activists faced significant repression, despite claims of progress in human rights and rule of law. From January 2019 to October 2024, at least 454 incidents were recorded against 1,262 human rights defenders, including Indigenous individuals.

Notably, peaceful protests against controversial laws were often met with excessive force, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests. Protests related to laws such as the Job Creation Law and changes to the Regional Elections Law highlighted the urgent need for reform.

“The new administration must recognize that peaceful protest is a vital aspect of free expression, as protected by the Constitution and international treaties,” he added.

The Electronic Information and Transaction (UU ITE) Law continues to be a troubling tool for criminalizing dissent, despite revisions. It has become a mechanism to suppress criticism and intimidate those challenging governmental abuses.