Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN) To Urge For Any Concern
Langsa. AsiaNationNetwork
Indonesia in Crisis: Mass Protests Reveal Deep Public Grievances
Government Urged to Act Responsibly and Respect Human Rights
Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN) expresses its deepest concern regarding the ongoing wave of demonstrations across Indonesia. In recent weeks, citizens in over 30 provinces have taken to the streets to demand justice, transparency, and accountability from the government.
These protests were sparked by the tragic death of Affan Kurniawan, an online driver fatally struck by a tactical vehicle during a peaceful protest in Jakarta. The incident has become a symbol of state violence and deepened public anger over widening inequality and the government’s failure to prioritize people’s welfare.
At the same time, the government’s controversial proposal to grant parliament members luxury housing allowances of IDR 50 million per month—while ordinary families struggle with rising living costs—has further fueled public outrage.
Key Concerns
1. Excessive Use of Force – At least 10 people have lost their lives, more than 1,000 have been injured, and over 3,000 citizens have been detained during nationwide protests, according to credible reports. Disproportionate use of tear gas, rubber bullets, and mass arrests has been widely documented.
2. Escalating Violence & Repression – In cities like Makassar, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya, protests escalated into riots after violent police dispersals, resulting in casualties, property damage, and fear among local communities.
3. Erosion of Democratic Accountability – Rather than addressing citizens’ legitimate grievances, the government has deployed tens of thousands of security forces and reportedly mobilized local militias, raising concerns of further human rights violations.
4. Unmet Demands for Justice – Protest coalitions, including the “17+8 People’s Demands”, have called for structural reforms: halting state violence, freezing extravagant parliamentary benefits, ensuring economic justice, and launching transparent investigations into human rights abuses.
PAJAN’s Position
Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN) firmly believes that the protests reflect legitimate public demands for social justice, democratic accountability, and an end to systemic corruption. Instead of repression, the government must listen to its citizens and adopt genuine reform measures.
We call upon:
The Government of Indonesia to:
Immediately end the use of excessive force and ensure all security operations respect international human rights standards.
Establish an independent investigation into the death of Affan Kurniawan and all cases of state violence during demonstrations.
Suspend all luxury benefits for parliament members and redirect state budgets towards health, education, and job creation.
Engage in transparent dialogue with civil society and protest leaders to address the “17+8 Demands.”
The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) and international human rights bodies to:
Monitor, document, and publicly report on ongoing violations.
Provide protection to peaceful demonstrators and ensure due process for detainees.
Civil Society, Academics, and the International Community to:
Stand in solidarity with Indonesian citizens demanding justice.
Amplify the voices of affected communities and hold the Indonesian government accountable in regional and international forums.
Closing Statement
The ongoing demonstrations are not a threat to democracy—they are a manifestation of democracy itself. Criminalizing dissent will only deepen mistrust and instability.
PAJAN (Peace And Justice for Action) stands with the people of Indonesia in their struggle for peace, justice, and dignity. We urge the government to seize this moment not with repression, but with courageous reforms that restore trust and uphold human rights.
We also call on the international community to stand in solidarity with the Indonesian people and to ensure that human rights and democracy are fully respected.
Langsa, 5 September 2025
IBNU SAKDAN ABUBAKAR
Executive Director
Peace And Justice for Action (PAJAN)
For Media Inquiries:
PAJAN – Communications Office
📧 Email: media@pajan.org | ☎ +62 899 909 3031
