Responding to the violent crackdown by police on protesters that left one killed and about 600 arrested in a labour rally in Jakarta on 28 August, Amnesty International Indonesia's executive director Usman Hamid said:
"We express our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. No one should lose their lives for exercising their right to protest.
"Indonesian police once again violently repressed protests – beating protesters, unnecessarily and excessively firing tear gas, unlawfully firing water cannons, and recklessly drove an armoured vehicle in a crowded area, fatally hitting one online motorcycle taxi driver. This loss of life cannot go unanswered.
"Thursday's tragic incident shows that the police did not learn from previous cases of unnecessary and excessive use of force, including when they improperly fired tear gas in a football stadium in 2022, triggering a stampede that led to the deaths of 135 people.
"We call on authorities to conduct a swift, thorough and independent investigation into the Thursday's crackdown on protesters, including the killing of the 21 years old motorcycle taxi driver and ensure that all perpetrators, including those at command level, face fair trials publicly, and not mere internal or administrative sanctions. Failure to do so will perpetuate impunity and allow such violence to persist.
"We also call on the police to review their policies on the use of force, particularly on the use of tear gas and other less-lethal weapons to ensure that this heartbreaking tragedy never occurs again. The President also must take responsibility to end unlawful and excessive use of force by police as part of broader efforts to reform of the police institution.
"Indonesia should ensure that the police respect and protect the rights of peaceful assembly and expression. The authorities must immediately and unconditionally release anyone detained solely for exercising their rights."
Background
One motorcycle taxi driver was killed and at least 600 people arrested after police violently dispersed protesters outside Indonesia's parliament in Jakarta on 28 August. Demonstrators had rallied against low wages, tax hikes and lavish lawmakers' pay.
As the protest stretched into the night, police unnecessarily and excessively fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Officers continued into residential areas, repeatedly firing tear gas.
Amateur videos circulating online show an armoured tactical vehicle belonging to the National Police's Mobile Brigade (Brimob) speeding as people fled. The vehicle struck an online motorcycle taxi driver trying to escape, running him over and leaving the scene. Residents rushed the victim to a hospital, but he later passed away. His association confirmed he was not part of the protest. He was reportedly delivering food for customers when the incident occurred.
The incident reignited anger, with crowds surrounding and attacking the vehicle. Later that night, motorcycle taxi drivers gathered in front of the Brimob headquarters in Kwitang, Central Jakarta, to protest. Military officers were deployed to calm the situation. The National Police Chief met the victim's family, apologized, and announced the arrest of the vehicle's seven crew members pending investigation.
However, the killing has intensified public outrage amid a week of protests sweeping several Indonesian cities, including Pontianak, Medan and Makassar. Students, workers and community groups have denounced sharp hikes in land and building taxes, generous parliamentary allowances and austerity measures imposed by President Prabowo Subianto, which include cuts to education, health and public works.
Indonesian student groups were protesting again on 29 August at Jakarta's police headquarters. Amnesty International Indonesia has warned of escalating repression, as police have repeatedly responded with violence, mass arrests and excessive use of tear gas.