Outrage Over Excessive Force Against Student Demonstrators

A member of the House of Representatives Commission X,Bonnie Triyana,has voiced strong disapproval of the alleged violent actions by law enforcement during a recent student demonstration against revisions to the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Bill. The legislator described the reported incidents as “unreasonable” and “excessive.”

I strongly condemned the actions of the apparatus who committed violence and even excessive. There was a recording that I saw, a demonstrators were beaten by the police. It was excessive and inconsequential.
Bonnie Triyana, Member of House of Representatives commission X

students’ Right to Protest Under Scrutiny

Triyana emphasized that students’ demonstrations are a constitutionally protected form of free expression. He highlighted the importance of students not only as academics but also as critical voices in the nation’s socio-political landscape.

“In a democratic society, students possess the fundamental right to articulate their perspectives. Their role extends beyond academic pursuits; they are vital contributors to the social and political evolution of our nation,” Triyana stated.

Call for Restraint and Dialog from Law Enforcement

The legislator urged law enforcement officials to manage demonstrations with proportionality and de-escalation tactics, emphasizing the need for dialogue over confrontation. This comes amid growing concerns about the militarization of domestic law enforcement and its impact on civil liberties.

“Authorities should prioritize dialogue and measured responses. the use of force, especially excessive force, is unacceptable,” Triyana asserted.

Injuries Reported Among Student Protesters

The condemnation follows reports that three students from the University of Indonesia (UI) were hospitalized after the demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR RI Building in Central Jakarta. Muhammad Bagir Shadr,Coordinator of BEM Social Politics in the Faculty of Law,University of Indonesia,identified the injured students as Muhammad Aidan,Rafi Raditya,and Ghifari Rizky Pramono. Reports indicate that Aidan sustained a head injury, allegedly from being beaten while entering the parliament building area.

eyewitness Accounts of Police Brutality

Adding to the gravity of the situation, reports have emerged of an online motorcycle taxi driver (ojol) allegedly being assaulted by authorities at the protest site. The driver reportedly suffered head injuries after being beaten and kicked by police officers. Such accounts raise serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement during the demonstration and the need for accountability.

Legislative Oversight and Future action

Commission X, which oversees education and youth affairs, has called on National Police leadership to provide clear directives to officers in the field, emphasizing adherence to Standard Operating procedures (SOP) during demonstrations. The incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the TNI Bill and the broader issue of civil-military relations in Indonesia. Further inquiry and legislative action are anticipated to address the concerns raised by this incident.