JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – Amnesty International Indonesia has strongly condemned the widespread terror, intimidation, and violence targeting activists, students, and journalists during nationwide protests against the revision of Indonesia’s Military Law (UU TNI).

Protests against the revised Military Law took place in multiple cities, including Jakarta, Medan, Bandung, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Manado. The demonstrations were met with excessive force, resulting in injuries, arrests, and widespread intimidation.

The demonstrations, which took place in Jakarta and several other cities, were met with excessive force by police, including the use of batons, tear gas, water cannons, and physical violence.

Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, said that the terror, intimidation, and violence against activists, journalists, and students are clear violations of human rights.

“These actions reflect a disturbing trend of authoritarian practices aimed at silencing critical voices in civil society.” he said

The protests, which began on Thursday, March 20, 2025, were organized by students and civil society groups opposing the revised Military Law, which allows active military personnel to hold civilian positions. However, what began as peaceful demonstrations quickly turned chaotic as police responded with disproportionate force.

In Jakarta, at least four individuals were confirmed injured, including three students who suffered multiple baton strikes to their heads, shoulders, and limbs. One student remains under medical care. A motorcycle taxi driver was also assaulted by police, who mistakenly identified him as a protester, leaving him with head and hand injuries. Journalists covering the protests were not spared, with one reporter from *IDN Times* being intimidated and having his phone and motorcycle keys forcibly seized by police.

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