PRESS STATEMENT
PAJAN (Peace And Justice for Action)
DISCRIMINATORY TRAFFIC RAID IN NORTH SUMATRA:
A VIOLATION OF JUSTICE AND CITIZENS’ RIGHTS
Langsa, 28 September 2025. ANN
Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN) expresses its grave concern and strong condemnation of the recent policy initiated by the Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, to conduct raids targeting vehicles bearing the BK license plates originating from Aceh. This measure, in our view, constitutes a serious breach of citizens’ rights, contradicts the principles of non-discrimination, and undermines the constitutional guarantees enshrined within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
From a legal and human rights perspective, PAJAN underlines three fundamental problems with this policy:
1. Discrimination and Social Fragmentation
Singling out vehicles based on license plate origin is a form of regional discrimination that risks deepening social divisions and stigmatizing an entire community. Such practices contradict the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and violate international human rights norms against collective punishment.
2. Lack of Legal Basis and Administrative Overreach
National highways and inter-provincial routes are regulated under central government authority. A provincial governor holds no jurisdiction to impose unilateral restrictions of this kind. This policy is therefore an example of administrative overreach that undermines the rule of law.
3. Risk of Escalating Inter-Regional Tensions
Instead of promoting public order, this discriminatory action fosters resentment and can potentially destabilize inter-regional relations between Aceh and North Sumatra, thereby endangering social cohesion and economic cooperation.
Based on the above, PAJAN firmly demands:
The Governor of North Sumatra immediately terminate the discriminatory raids against Aceh-registered vehicles.
The central government, particularly the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Transportation, to conduct a thorough review of this unlawful policy and issue corrective measures.
Law enforcement agencies to uphold constitutional rights by refusing to implement directives that lack legal foundation and contravene human rights principles.
If this practice persists, PAJAN is prepared to escalate the matter to Komnas HAM, Ombudsman, and relevant international human rights mechanisms. Discrimination, in any form, cannot be tolerated within a democratic society that aspires to justice and equality before the law.
We call for the immediate cessation of discriminatory raids.
Justice must prevail, and rights must be respected.
Sincerely,
Ibnu Sakdan Abubakar
Executive Director
Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN)
