Indonesia Faces Scrutiny Over Protest Crackdown and Detentions

Indonesian authorities have detained over 3,000 people in a nationwide crackdown during anti-government protests that began in late August 2025. Human Rights Watch has called for an end to the excessive use of force and arbitrary detentions, urging impartial investigations into alleged abuses by security forces.

Key Takeaways

Over 3,000 people detained nationwide amid anti-government protests.
Allegations of excessive force, including tear gas and water cannons, used by security forces.
Protests sparked by parliamentary benefits and rising cost of living, escalating after a fatal incident involving a gig motorcycle driver.
Human Rights Watch calls for restraint, impartial investigations, and adherence to international standards.

Protests Erupt Over Government Policies

Protests ignited on August 25 in Jakarta, initially fueled by newly announced housing allowances for members of parliament, which were widely criticized in light of government austerity measures affecting education and health services. The demonstrations quickly broadened to encompass concerns over the rising cost of living and unemployment. What began as a student and activist gathering outside the parliament complex escalated when police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd after 6 p.m., a practice prohibiting late-night protests. Clashes ensued, resulting in injuries, with reports of protesters being beaten by police.

The situation intensified on August 28 when a police armored van fatally struck and ran over Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old gig motorcycle driver, before speeding away. A video of the incident went viral, triggering wider protests, including demonstrations by thousands of delivery drivers across the country. While the National Police chief apologized and arrested seven officers for ethical violations, the incident galvanized further public anger.

Escalation and Violence

As protests spread to nearly 50 cities, some turned violent. Reports indicate at least 10 deaths, hundreds injured, and 20 missing. In Makassar and Mataram, regional government offices were set ablaze, leading to the deaths of three government employees. In Solo, a pedicab driver allegedly died from tear gas exposure. A student was reportedly beaten to death in Yogyakarta, and in other locations, protesters engaged in clashes with police, throwing projectiles and firebombs at government buildings and infrastructure.

Government Response and Human Rights Concerns

President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo called for calm and rescinded the legislative perks. However, he also warned of "treason and terrorism" and deployed the military to demonstrations. Human Rights Watch criticized this approach, stating that labeling protesters as traitors encourages abuses by security forces. The organization emphasized that authorities should not respond to protests with excessive force or wrongful detentions.

Human Rights Watch urged Indonesian authorities to impartially investigate all allegations of unnecessary or excessive force by security forces and to discipline or prosecute those responsible. The organization also highlighted the need for prompt charging or release of arrested demonstrators, stressing that the military should not be used for civilian law enforcement due to the higher likelihood of wrongful force.

Arbitrary arrests of protest organizers have also been reported, with individuals detained for using social media to inform protesters or organize demonstrations. Human Rights Watch reiterated that security forces must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and due process, applying nonviolent means before resorting to force and acting with restraint and proportionality when force is unavoidable.