Komnas Perempuan Statement in Response to Police Violence During the Demonstrations on August 25 and 28, 2025
“The State Must Ensure Accountability, End Repressive Actions and Violence by the Police,
Listen to Civil Society and Women Amid Social and Economic Pressures”
Jakarta, August 31, 2025
The National Commission on Violence Against Women (Komnas Perempuan) strongly condemns the violent actions carried out by the police during demonstrations on August 25 and 28, 2025. The expression of public aspirations through peaceful demonstrations is guaranteed by Article 28E paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, which states that everyone has the right to associate, assemble, and express opinions, as well as Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified through Law No. 12 of 2005, and Law No. 39 of 1999 on Human Rights.
Komnas Perempuan regrets and demands accountability for the repressive actions, including beatings, mob assaults, and the alleged use of expired tear gas, which resulted in injuries to protesters and nearby residents. Police even deployed tactical vehicles in ways that violated standard procedures, leading to the death of Affan Kurniawan (an online motorcycle taxi driver). In this regard, Komnas Perempuan expresses deep condolences to the victim’s family.
Such acts of violence clearly violate constitutional rights, including freedom from violence and torture as stated in Article 28I paragraph (1) of the 1945 Constitution, and contravene Police Regulation No. 8 of 2009 on the Implementation of Human Rights Principles and Standards in the Performance of Police Duties.
Komnas Perempuan has also coordinated with the Working Group for the Prevention of Torture (KuPP), consisting of the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM), Komnas Perempuan, the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI), the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), the Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia, and the National Disability Commission (KND), to respond to the police violence. According to Komnas HAM data, 351 people were arrested during the August 25 action and approximately 600 people during the August 28 action, along with arrests of protesters in several regions. Komnas Perempuan observes that police violence targeted not only protesters but also residents in the vicinity; one incident recorded by media involved a woman who was injured and whose work equipment was damaged due to tear gas exposure.
Police violence against demonstrations not only harms citizens but also undermines democracy and public trust in the state. Amid growing public dissatisfaction with social, economic, and political conditions—such as national and regional tax increases, economic pressures, and statements from some parliament members deemed lacking empathy toward people’s economic hardships—demonstrations serve as a legitimate means of expressing aspirations. It is crucial to ensure that public spaces for expression through demonstrations are respected as part of the constitutional right to express opinions.
Therefore, law enforcement must return to its primary mandate: protecting the people and maintaining peace, supporting and safeguarding citizens expressing their views, rather than using excessive force that could be misused and instill fear. Furthermore, this situation must be taken seriously by the Government of Indonesia, the House of Representatives (DPR RI), and local governments by improving accountability and institutional behavior to align with the mandate of the people.
Komnas Perempuan emphasizes the importance of enforcing accountability for police officers involved in violence, leaving no room for impunity, and ensuring comprehensive recovery for victims. In addition, Komnas Perempuan urges the release of detained demonstrators, including children arbitrarily arrested, and to prevent any further intimidation.
Komnas Perempuan notes the escalation of demonstrations in several regions, including Depok, Yogyakarta, Semarang, Surabaya, Makassar, Mataram, and other cities, as well as situations with potential for mass unrest and widening chaos. Komnas Perempuan reminds the Government and the Police not to adopt repressive approaches or take extreme measures that restrict civil liberties or instill fear. All parties must remain proportional and comply with human rights standards in performing their duties and functions.
Based on deep concern over the evolving situation, Komnas Perempuan recommends:
The President and DPR RI should respond proactively and address the root causes underlying the demonstrations, taking strategic steps and policies that prioritize justice. This includes reviewing parliamentary allowances and facilities that undermine public trust, canceling irrelevant awards or celebrations, and preventing concentration of positions among political elites. Such steps are crucial to prevent worsening the public’s trust crisis amid economic difficulties caused by austerity, layoffs, tax increases, and rising living costs.
The Chief of the Indonesian National Police must reaffirm a human rights-based approach in fulfilling the mandate to protect citizens, especially amid recent demonstration escalations, halt arbitrary arrests, and release detained demonstrators in Jakarta and other regions. Ensure that all detainees have access to legal assistance that is easy, fair, and free from discrimination.
DPR RI must improve institutional accountability and behavior while opening meaningful dialogue with the public to implement the reforms demanded by citizens.
Civil society members who experience or witness acts of violence, arbitrary arrests, or the loss of family members during demonstrations are urged to report these incidents through civil society complaint channels and national human rights institutions.
Komnas Perempuan supports the public in expressing their aspirations and opinions wisely, strengthening and protecting one another, without damaging public facilities or shared spaces, and without causing harm, division, or spreading discriminatory or sectarian sentiments. In this way, citizens’ aspirations and hopes can become a collective force for justice.
Sources:
Yuni Asriyanti
Dahlia Madanih
Maria Ulfah Anshor
Contact: Elsa (081389371400)
