Yohanes Maharso Joharsoyo, Jakarta – Two students have filed a report with the National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) alleging abuse by law enforcement officers during a demonstration against the Regional Election Bill on August 22, 2024.
The students, accompanied by the Indonesian Constitutional Guard Advocates Team, claimed they were subjected to violence while peacefully expressing their aspirations.
Syukur Destieli Gulo, a member of the Advocates Team, stated that the victims were from Pamulang University and Bina Sarana Informatics University (BSI) Jakarta. He provided evidence, including photos and a video recording, to support the allegations.
"Suddenly they were being attacked with tear gas, dragged, slammed, and beaten with batons," said Syukur at the Komnas HAM office in Jakarta on Thursday, August 29, 2024.
According to him, the Advocacy Team is considering filing additional reports with the police's internal supervisory agency, such as the Propam, the Military Police, or the National Police Commission.
AR, one of the victims, described being attacked with tear gas, dragged, stepped on, and beaten by law enforcement officers. AT, another victim, recounted similar experiences. "About 30 officers beat me. I was also stepped on and kicked. Then I suffered blackouts and shortness of breath," said AT.
AT added that he and three other students were put in the police car and detained for four hours before being taken to Metro Jaya Police.
The demonstration on August 22 followed the Constitutional Court's decision regarding the regional election threshold and age limit for regional head candidates. The decision was opposed by the House of Representatives (DPR).
Ultimately, the DPR, the General Election Commission (KPU), and the government agreed on a regulation that accommodated the Constitutional Court's decisions.