Press Release on the Position of National Human Rights Institutions Regarding Demonstrations in Various Regions of Indonesia and Their Handling

Jakarta, September 3, 2025

The National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) are paying serious attention to the demonstrations and related incidents occurring across various regions in Indonesia. Each institution has been actively conducting assessments in accordance with their respective mandates.

Since August 25, 2025, until today, Komnas HAM (National Commission on Human Rights) has been monitoring the situation in three regions—Jakarta, Bandung, and Solo—while also conducting media and social media monitoring in at least 17 regions in Indonesia. To date, Komnas HAM has recorded 10 fatalities during the wave of demonstrations nationwide.

In Jakarta, Komnas HAM’s field observations found that from August 25–31, 2025, as many as 1,683 demonstrators were detained at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Headquarters, most of whom have since been released. It was also found that 250 victims were taken to hospitals—9 admitted for inpatient care and 241 treated as outpatients at various hospitals across Jakarta. In addition, two fatalities were identified, namely Affan Kurniawan and Andika Lutfi Falah.

In Bandung, Komnas HAM coordinated with relevant agencies and found that from August 28 to September 1, 2025, a total of 429 demonstrators received medical treatment. Of these, 46 were referred to hospitals, and 2 remain hospitalized. The Komnas HAM team is continuing its field review and is in the process of confirming the number of demonstrators detained by police in Bandung and surrounding areas.

In Solo, Komnas HAM found that 89 people were arrested between August 29–31, 2025, but all were later released with guidance due to their young age. On September 1, 2025, 14 minors were detained for allegedly carrying Molotov cocktails and are still under investigation. In addition, several injuries were recorded among both demonstrators and security forces. Komnas HAM plans to extend its field monitoring to other regions in the coming days.

Meanwhile, based on media monitoring by Komnas Perempuan (National Commission on Violence Against Women), during the protest period of August 25–31, 2025, there were 36,117 news reports from 2,473 online media outlets highlighting the widespread demonstrations in Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Makassar, as well as Papua and Riau. Reports from civil society organizations and Komnas Perempuan service providers also noted the expansion of demonstrations to 22 additional regions, including Aceh, Medan, Padang, Bekasi, Cirebon, Brebes, Yogyakarta, Pekalongan, Semarang, Sumenep, Kediri, Pontianak, Palangkaraya, Palopo, Banjarmasin, Samarinda, Palu, Manado, Kendari, Bali, NTB, and NTT.

Field findings also revealed that women and girls were specifically targeted for repression, ranging from unlawful detention, sexual harassment at protest sites and through digital messages, to hate speech with ethnic and sexist undertones, as well as hoax news aimed at silencing critical voices and creating fear.

At the same time, vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities and the elderly faced mobility barriers and difficulties in escaping clashes, as well as high risks due to police sweeps and patrols. This pattern echoes the dark experience of May 1998, where hoaxes were also used to silence critical voices and instill fear. At least four hoax reports concerning sexual violence circulated on social media during this period, with potential for more.

Komnas Perempuan also highlighted restrictions on internet connectivity in protest areas and the confiscation of mobile phones from arrested citizens. These measures prevented victims from seeking help, hindered documentation of violence, and further isolated individuals—especially women seeking to report threats.

Additionally, the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia found that some victims hospitalized after the protests had not yet received coverage for their medical expenses. The Ombudsman also stressed that state losses from vandalism of public facilities should receive attention from both central and regional governments.

The National Commission on Disability emphasized that in situations of unrest or mass violence, persons with disabilities face greater risks due to limited access to protection, evacuation, and information. Furthermore, the violence can create new disabilities, both physical and psychological, in individuals who were not previously disabled. This impact is felt not only by individuals but also by their families, who bear heightened psychosocial and economic burdens. Therefore, peaceful approaches and protection of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, must be prioritized.

The Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK) noted that arrests during demonstrations have affected victims’ willingness and capacity to seek protection. LPSK found an urgent need for access to legal assistance and legal process information for victims, their families, and support networks. Many demonstrators are still traumatized, and families of victims have been reluctant to sign legal authorizations due to fear.

From LPSK’s visits to hospitals, victims included demonstrators, police officers, and civilians. Several hospitals provided free treatment covered by local governments and related agencies. However, for victims with severe injuries requiring long-term care and psychological rehabilitation, further assessment is needed.

The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) found that many police officers still lack adequate understanding of proper procedures for handling children in conflict with the law, as mandated by the Child Protection Act and the Juvenile Criminal Justice System Act. At several district police offices, KPAI assisted families and found indications of inhumane treatment and restrictions on access to families and legal aid.

Despite these troubling findings, the NHRIs express appreciation for the peaceful demonstrations and mutual support initiatives carried out by citizens from various groups, both offline and online. These efforts affirm the public’s rejection of provocation, anarchy, and the exploitation of ethnic and religious issues.

Regional leaders and state officials in certain areas who have opened channels to listen to demonstrators’ aspirations set a positive example that should be followed across Indonesia. Such transparency and dialogue have proven effective in reducing conflict and violence.

Based on these findings and in response to the evolving situation, the NHRIs recommend the following actions:

To the Indonesian National Police (Polri):

• Release demonstrators detained at police headquarters, district, and subdistrict police offices.

• Avoid repressive measures, excessive use of force, and adhere to human rights principles, while conducting a comprehensive evaluation of protest management.

• Ensure access to legal aid for detained demonstrators.

• Treat children in conflict with the law humanely and in accordance with child protection and juvenile justice laws.

• Work effectively, professionally, and prioritize civilian safety in coordination with relevant government agencies.

To the Indonesian National Police and Armed Forces (TNI):

• Work effectively, professionally, and prioritize civilian safety in coordination with relevant government agencies.

To the Government of Indonesia and the House of Representatives (DPR):

• Respect, protect, and fulfill the rights of citizens to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, and guarantee press freedom for journalists.

• Open spaces for participation, criticism, dialogue, and public aspirations, while avoiding statements and actions that may cause unrest.

To the Government and Regional Governments:

• Provide evacuation facilities, medical services, and assistance for victims and affected communities.

• Immediately revitalize public facilities damaged during demonstrations.

To the Public:

• Continue to demonstrate peacefully, maintain a conducive environment, and avoid provocations or anarchic actions that may harm society.

National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia (Komnas HAM)
National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan)
Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia
National Commission on Disability
Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK)
Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI)