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.

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.

Amnesty International Indonesia has called for immediate action to address these violations, emphasizing that the state must guarantee the safety of activists, journalists, and citizens exercising their constitutional rights. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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