Nabiila Azzahra, Jakarta – Indonesian activist Syahdan Husein, a spokesperson for the Gejayan Memanggil movement, has been on a hunger strike for a week while detained at Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya). He is protesting the arrest of several activists and demanding their release.
Syahdan's sister, Sizigia Pikhansa, said her brother has refused food since September 11. "So, it has been a week today," she told reporters at Polda Metro Jaya Headquarters on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. She explained that Syahdan vowed to continue the strike until all political detainees are freed.
Sizigia revealed that the family was not informed when Syahdan was arrested and later named a suspect on September 1.
She also accused Polda Metro Jaya of obstructing visits from both relatives and legal counsel, which has worsened his psychological condition.
"He has not received psychological assistance in detention. He also feels unsupported by lawyers and family, even though everyone is working hard outside. The problem is, access to meet Syahdan is being blocked," she said.
Syahdan was arrested in Bali on September 1, 2025, and the following day police announced that he had been named a suspect alongside five others.
He serves as the Gejayan Memanggil movement's public relations officer and also manages the group's social media accounts.
Police accused Syahdan and the others of provocation during demonstrations on August 25 and 28, 2025, which they claim incited unrest.
The five other detainees include Lokataru Foundation Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen, Riau University student activist Khariq Anhar, Lokataru staff member Muzaffar Salim, Bung Karno University alumnus Figha Lesmana, and an individual identified only by the initials RAP.
One piece of evidence cited by police was a post from the @lokataru_foundation Instagram account. The post featured an image advertising a complaint center for students who wanted to join or had joined the August 28 protest.
The caption read: "Are you a student? Want to protest? Already protested? Threatened with sanctions? Or have you been sanctioned? Let's fight together! #dontbeafraid" – along with a hotline number for students to report sanctions.
The six suspects are charged with violating Article 160 of the Criminal Code on incitement, Article 45A(3) in conjunction with Article 28(3) of Law No. 1/2024 on Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE Law), and Article 76H in conjunction with Article 15 and Article 87 of Law No. 35/2014 on Child Protection.