Indonesia: Hundreds of people still detained after anti-government protests in August | DW News

Key Concepts

• Freedom of Speech Concerns: Mass arrests in Indonesia following protests raise alarms about the state of free expression.
• August Protests: Demonstrations erupted over lawmakers' plans to increase their own pay, leading to violent clashes and mass arrests.
• Unlawful Detentions: Activists claim hundreds of individuals are being held illegally.
• Del Pedro Maran Case: An activist accused of inciting violence, despite his family's claims of peaceful advocacy.
• Lack of Transparency: Police are criticized for not being transparent or accountable regarding arrests and suspect designations.
• Pattern of Repression: Amnesty International observes excessive force, arrests of the innocent, torture, and unfair deaths.
• Democratic Backsliding: Concerns that Indonesia is moving away from democratic principles and civil freedoms.
• International Human Rights Violations: Allegations of abuses against detainees, including beatings and burns.
• Distinguishing Violent vs. Peaceful Protesters: Difficulty in separating those involved in violence from those peacefully demonstrating.
• President Joko Widodo's Past: Accusations of human rights abuses during his military career.
• Self-Policing Concerns: The police being tasked with reforming themselves is seen as ineffective.
• Role of the International Community: Donors, trading partners, and UN bodies are urged to get more involved.
• Detainee Statistics: Over 950 individuals named as suspects, including nearly 300 children.
• Upcoming Trials: Trials are expected to begin in late November or early December.

Mass Arrests and Freedom of Speech Concerns in Indonesia

Following mass protests in August concerning lawmakers' plans to increase their own pay, Indonesia has seen a surge in mass arrests, sparking significant concerns over freedom of speech in one of the world's largest democracies. The protests, which involved violent standoffs with police, resulted in several deaths and thousands of arrests. Activists contend that hundreds of those taken into custody are being unlawfully detained.

The Case of Del Pedro Maran

Among those detained is 25-year-old Del Pedro Maran, an activist who has been working for a human rights NGO since 2019. His family asserts that he was fighting for the best interests of the people and was advocating for the release of 600 protesters arrested before him. Del Pedro Maran is currently held in a Jakarta jail and is accused of inciting violence, a charge his family vehemently denies, stating he was peaceful and that protesters are being punished for speaking out. His family emphasizes that the issue extends beyond individual activists to the very essence of democracy.

Lack of Transparency and Accountability

There is a significant lack of clarity regarding the exact number of protesters still behind bars, as police have not provided official figures despite repeated requests from media outlets like DW. Civil society groups and rights organizations highlight a lack of transparency and accountability from the police concerning arrests, detentions, and the designation of suspects, many of whom are accused of perpetrating violence.

Amnesty International's Findings and Broader Repression

Amnesty International reports observing a wider pattern of repression in Indonesia over the past year. This includes instances of excessive force, arrests of innocent individuals, torture, and even unfair deaths during the August tragedy. The organization expresses concern that Indonesia may no longer be a democratic country that guarantees civil freedom. This situation is causing alarm among ordinary citizens and respected public figures who desire a sovereign nation where freedom of expression is upheld.

Violations of International Human Rights and Abuses in Detention

Phil Robertson, a human rights consultant based in Bangkok, confirms that many individuals still in detention have faced abuses by the police, including beatings and being burned with cigarettes. He notes that many of those held were involved in peaceful expression or demonstrations. While acknowledging that some protesters engaged in violence, such as throwing stones or using bamboo poles against police, Robertson points out that the police have not effectively differentiated between violent offenders and those who were simply protesting and demanding accountability for police misconduct and excessive force.

Democratic Backsliding in Indonesia

Robertson characterizes the current situation as a clear "slipping" of democracy in Indonesia. He references President Joko Widodo's past, noting accusations of serious human rights abuses during his military career, including the disappearance of students in 1998, cases that remain unresolved. This is seen as evidence of backsliding on human rights and democracy, with a government that is unwilling to be held accountable for police actions. The fact that the police are tasked with considering their own reforms is viewed as a tactic to buy time and reduce public pressure, rather than a genuine path to justice.

Holding the Government Accountable

Robertson suggests that the international community, including donors and trading partners of Indonesia, has a role to play in holding the government accountable. He also calls for greater involvement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN. Crucially, he emphasizes the need for the Indonesian government to listen to its own people, despite its apparent democratic facade.

Detainee Statistics and Upcoming Trials

As of the report, over 950 people have been named as suspects, a figure that includes nearly 300 children, highlighting a serious concern regarding the detention of minors. Trials are anticipated to commence around late November or early December. It is expected that these trials, including that of Del Pedro Maran, who is believed to have been an organizer and strategist rather than a participant in violence, will likely trigger further protests.

Conclusion

The situation in Indonesia following the August protests points to a worrying trend of democratic backsliding, characterized by mass arrests, alleged unlawful detentions, and a lack of transparency and accountability from law enforcement. Concerns over freedom of speech are amplified by reports of abuses against detainees and the difficulty in distinguishing between peaceful protesters and those involved in violence. The international community and the Indonesian people are urged to play a role in ensuring justice and upholding democratic principles. The upcoming trials are expected to be a critical juncture in this ongoing struggle for civil liberties.