Nabiila Azzahra, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia has called on the police to immediately release several activists arrested during recent demonstrations in Jakarta and other regions.
Those detained include Lokataru Foundation Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen, Gejayan Memanggil activist Syahdan Husein, University of Riau student Khariq Anhar, and three others. In total, six people have been named suspects and charged with incitement.
Amnesty International Indonesia's Executive Director Usman Hamid said the arrests, coupled with the rising death toll from protests, reflect a troubling pattern.
"We deeply regret the increasing number of civilian deaths during last week's demonstrations, now at 10, as well as the arrests of Delpedro in Jakarta, Khariq in Banten, Syahdan in Bali, and two YLBHI legal aides in Manado and Samarinda," Usman said in a written statement on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Usman urged the government to adopt a more democratic and persuasive approach.
"The state should prioritize dialogue with demonstrators. Threatening them with criminal charges will only escalate tensions between the police and citizens expressing criticism," he said.
He emphasized that peaceful assembly and free expression are fundamental rights.
"We once again urge the police to release Delpedro, Syahdan, and hundreds of other demonstrators who have been arrested since August 25 simply for voicing critical views," Usman added.
Police investigation
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) confirmed that Delpedro and five others, Lokataru staff member Muzaffar Salim, activist Syahdan Husein, student Khariq Anhar, and two individuals identified by their initials RAP and FL, have been charged with incitement
They are accused of encouraging students, including minors, to engage in disruptive actions.
Police said the investigation has been ongoing since August 25, based on Report Number LP/A/76/VIII/2025/SPKT.DITKRIMUM/POLDA METRO JAYA. The alleged offenses took place in several locations, including in front of the DPR/MPR Building, Gelora Tanah Abang, and other parts of Jakarta.
Authorities cited several social media posts as evidence, including content from accounts such as @gejayanmemanggil, @aliansimahasiswapenggugat, @blokpolitikpelajar, and @lokataru_foundation.
One post from @lokataru_foundation advertised a complaint center for students facing sanctions for joining protests. The image read: "Are you a student? Want to protest? Already protested? Threatened with sanctions? Or have you been sanctioned? Let's fight together! #dontbeafraid" and included a hotline number.
Jakarta Metro Police spokesperson Kombes Ade Ary Syam Indradi said such posts constituted incitement.
"There are accounts trying to encourage children to come to the field, demonstrate, and believe they will be protected," Ade stated.
Police also reported finding a guide for making Molotov cocktails circulating in WhatsApp groups, allegedly disseminated by suspect RAP.
The six suspects face charges under multiple laws, including Article 160 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), provisions of the Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law, and articles of the Child Protection Law.