Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia believes that there was an element of omission on the part of the security forces in the recent attacks by unidentified groups on the Homeland Forum (FTA) discussion in Kemang in South Jakarta and the Global Climate Strike action at Menteng Park in Central Jakarta.
Amnesty International Executive Director Usman Hamid said the attitude of the security forces was unprofessional. According to Hamid, the police even seemed to condone the actions of the vigilante groups.
"The authorities were seen at the scene and were seen to allow it to happen. That is the same as condoning an illegal act", Hamid said in a statement on Monday September 30.
In addition to the two actions, Hamid also noted that there was an attack on a group of people who damaged plants and seized banners expressing the aspirations of Pundenrejo farmers in Central Java.
"This is an attack on the social freedom of farmers. These attacks clearly cannot be justified and cannot be allowed to be given a place", he added.
Yet, according to Usman, it is precisely at times like this that the community needs the presence of security forces and also law enforcement officials to protect them from acts of vigilantism from groups of irresponsible people.
The police, said Hamid, should be tasked with protecting citizens who are peacefully expressed their right to express an opinion.
Because the constitution guarantees that Indonesian citizens can enjoy human rights, both civil freedom such as the right to gather and express opinions, as well as social freedom such as working the land and enjoying the results.
"Over the past week, why did the police seem to be protecting the attackers? Who was the mastermind behind the perpetrators of the attacks on the meeting and peaceful expression?", he asked.
Amnesty International is therefore urging National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to immediately investigate the mastermind and all of the perpetrators of the intimidation and the vigilante attacks.
According to Hamid, Prabowo is obliged to ensure that firm legal action is taken, especially against the brains behind the vigilante actions.
"Also investigate the police who did not prevent or take action against the perpetrators of the intimidation, who instead embraced and shook hands with them, as seen in the sabotage incident at the FTA discussion event", continued Hamid.
In addition, Amnesty is also urged the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission III to immediately evaluate the performance of police leadership as a whole under General Prabowo.
"An evaluation is very important so that the country is serious about maintaining human rights as a whole", he added.
Earlier on Saturday September 28, the Homeland Forum held a discussion at a hotel in Kemang, South Jakarta, which was suddenly closed down by a group of people who also had time to reap chaos.
The discussion, which was attended by a number of figures including Refly Harun, Marwan Batubara, Said Didu, Din Syamsudin and a number of other figures, was suddenly visited by a group of unknown people. The group had even been present at the location and made speeches in front of the hotel before the event began.
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have so far arrested five people related to the FTA case, two of which have been declared suspects
They have been charged under the articles on persecution and vandalism and face the threat of imprisonment ranging from two years and six months to five years and six months based on the Criminal Code (KUHP). (khr/gil)
- Police slammed for allowing closure of discussion evaluating Jokowi government. Kompas.com – September 28, 2024
- 'King of Java' theatrical action in Jakarta attacked, broken up by unidentified group. CNN Indonesia – September 27, 2024
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Amnesty Nilai Ada Unsur Pembiaran Aparat dalam Pembubaran Diskusi FTA".]
