Similar incidents were reported in Semarang, Yogyakarta, and Manado. In Semarang, police used tear gas to disperse protesters, resulting in four arrests and injuries. In Yogyakarta, water cannons were deployed, forcing demonstrators to flee to hospitals and safe spaces. In Manado, three individuals were detained and allegedly subjected to physical abuse during police interrogation.

Amnesty International Indonesia also highlighted the recent pig head terror targeting FCR, a female journalist and host of Tempo’s political podcast *Bocor Alus Politik* (BAP). The gruesome act, which occurred just days before the protests, is seen as part of a broader pattern of attacks on press freedom. Tempo, known for its critical reporting on strategic issues, has been a vocal opponent of the revised Military Law.

“The pig head terror is a blatant attack on press freedom, which is a cornerstone of democracy. This incident, along with the violence against protesters, underscores the shrinking space for dissent in Indonesia,” Hamid added.

Amnesty International Indonesia has called on law enforcement to thoroughly investigate these incidents, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that the rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and press freedom are upheld. The organization also urged the government to reconsider the revised Military Law, warning that it risks militarizing civilian spaces and further eroding democratic principles.

The protests and subsequent crackdowns come as Indonesia’s democracy faces increasing challenges. According to the V-Dem Institute, the country is sliding into electoral autocracy, with civil liberties under threat. The use of excessive force by police during peaceful demonstrations violates Indonesia’s Constitution, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms.

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