Ombudsman Will Soon Visit the Kwitang Mobile Brigade Headquarters to Check on the 7 Personnel Who Hit the Motorcycle Taxi Driver

The Indonesian Ombudsman's Office in Jakarta. (Antara)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ombudsman will coordinate with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya). They plan to visit the Kwitang Mobile Brigade Headquarters (Mako Brimob) to inspect the investigation of seven personnel riding in the Barracuda tactical vehicle that hit online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan.

Affan died during a demonstration that turned violent on Thursday evening, August 28th. He was run over by a Brimob Barracuda tactical vehicle that was attempting to disperse the crowd in the Pejompongan area of ​​Jakarta.

"The Ombudsman will ensure that the handling of this case is transparent and in accordance with the principles of justice," said Indonesian Ombudsman Member Johanes Widijantoro, as quoted in a written statement on Friday, August 29th.

The Ombudsman, Johanes continued, is paying serious attention to security during demonstrations in Jakarta. This process should prioritize the principles of persuasion and caution.

Furthermore, the protection of civilians, as stipulated in Article 9 of National Police Chief Regulation Number 7 of 2012 concerning Procedures for Providing Services, Security, and Handling Cases Regarding the Expression of Opinions in Public, should also be a guideline.

"We emphasize the importance of professionalism and accountability in all forms of security during mass demonstrations. The state must be present to protect citizens' rights, not harm them," he emphasized.

Furthermore, the Indonesian Ombudsman urged both security forces and protesters to maintain order.

"The expression of aspirations in public spaces must be conducted peacefully, accompanied by open dialogue, to avoid tensions and repressive actions that could potentially result in casualties on the ground," said Johanes.

The Ombudsman has also established a Maladministration Complaints Post through the WhatsApp Center 0811-902-373. Anyone can report any violations found in the field, particularly regarding the expression of opinions in public.

"Monitoring will continue to be carried out intensively to ensure that the security process is carried out in accordance with applicable regulations," said Johanes.

"This step is crucial to prevent violations of public rights and to ensure that every citizen receives adequate protection in the evolving situation."