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Indonesian house responds to UN call for probe into alleged human rights violations at protests

Source
Tempo - September 2, 2025

Ervana Trikarinaputri, Jakarta – Indonesian House of Commission I (DPR) held a working meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the Ministry's work plan and budget for the year 2026.

However, the House of Commission I Vice Chairperson, Dave Akbarshah Fikarno Laksono, did not rule out the possibility of discussing the United Nations' demand for a thorough investigation into the wave of protests that claimed several lives in Indonesia.

"After this, we will have a meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and perhaps we can discuss further the Ministry's stance on the situation," said the Golkar Party politician before the working meeting at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that Indonesia has its own sovereignty since it has laws that bind its citizens. "If there are perceived violations, there must be a legal process," said Dave. "So, we leave it to the law enforcement officials in accordance with the rules and laws that we have."

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights closely monitors the series of violence that occurred during the wave of protests in Indonesia. The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urged a thorough investigation into how security forces handled the recent wave of protests.

"We call for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force," said Ravina as cited from the UN Human Rights Office official website on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Ravina said that security forces must uphold the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Any security measures taken to maintain order at public gatherings must also align with international norms and standards. "All security forces, including the military when deployed in a law enforcement capacity, must comply with the basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials," she said.

Ravina emphasized the importance of dialogue to address public concerns about parliamentary member allowances, budget efficiency measures, and allegations of disproportionate use of force by law enforcement officials. Additionally, the UN asserted that the media should be allowed to report events freely and independently.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2045494/indonesian-house-responds-to-un-call-for-probe-into-alleged-human-rights-violations-at-protest

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