Responding To The UN Human Rights Office, The Government Of The Republic Of Indonesia Is Committed To Protecting The Rights Of All Citizens

The student demonstration protested the discourse of increasing the allowances for council members in front of the DPR Jakarta Building on August 25, 2025. (Nailin / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government noted the attention conveyed by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) regarding the development of demonstrations in Indonesia.

This statement is part of OHCHR's function in supporting the state to fulfill obligations in accordance with international human rights law.

"As a democratic country, the Government affirms its commitment to protecting the human rights of all citizens, as guaranteed by the constitution, laws and regulations, and international law," wrote the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on its website, as quoted September 3.

Freedom of expression and freedom of opinion and peaceful assembly are basic rights that are recognized and guaranteed, both at the national and international levels, the ministry continued.

Furthermore, it is explained that the Government regrets the casualties and destruction of public facilities, vandalism, arson, and looting that arise in demonstrations. Deep sorrow is conveyed to the families of the victims, and support will continue to be given to the affected communities.

"Every public aspiration is part of a democratic life, and the state is obliged to ensure that these rights can be channeled peacefully," the ministry said.

In responding to the situation on the ground, law enforcement officers carry out their duties based on principles and human rights standards. The steps taken are aimed at maintaining public order, protecting civilians, and securing public facilities in a proportional manner.

The government ensures that every alleged violation by the apparatus is handled through a transparent and accountable legal mechanism.

The President of the Republic of Indonesia has also emphasized that the officers found guilty will be processed according to the law. For this reason, the Indonesian Police are ordered to carry out internal checks quickly, openly, and can be monitored by the public.

As a form of accountability, the Government has also opened a public complaint mechanism and formed a special monitoring team.

Journalists and media have the freedom to do coverage, including in the law enforcement process to ensure transparency and independent supervision.

The government will continue to encourage open and constructive dialogue with the public and stakeholders at the national and international levels.

This effort reflects the government's commitment to maintaining a balance between civil liberties, public order, and social harmony; as well as ensuring that democracy, law enforcement, and respect for human rights can work together.

As previously reported, the spokesman for the United Nations Human Rights Office Ravina Shamdasani, through an upload on social media platform X on Tuesday, said the agency was closely following a series of violence that occurred in Indonesia in the context of national protests.

Citing allegations of unnecessary or excessive use of force by security forces, Shamdasani called for rapid, thorough, and transparent investigations into all alleged violations of international human rights law, including in terms of the use of force.

Shamdasani also asked authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while maintaining order in accordance with international norms and standards related to securing demonstrations.

He also highlighted that all security forces, including the military when deployed in law enforcement capacity, must comply with basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials.

"The president has also conveyed instructions to carry out an overall investigation into this matter," said Indonesian Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta on Tuesday, quoted from Antara.

Deputy Foreign Minister Anis said President Prabowo had visited the hospital to visit and have a dialogue with the victims of the demonstration and the police had also taken action against Brimob personnel to run over online motorcycle taxi drivers.

"So, the fulfillment side in terms of the process for basic human rights, God willing, will be fulfilled. There is no problem," said Anis.