Security For Student Demo Refuses 3 Periods, IPW Hopes Police To Act According To SOP

Illustration of Police guarding student demonstrations/ Photo: Rizky Sulistio/ VOI

JAKARTA - Indonesia Police Watch has asked the National Police to provide services and security and oversee the demonstration that will be conducted by the All-Indonesian Student Executive Board (BEM-SI) at the State Palace and the Monas Horse Statue area, Jakarta, Monday 11 April, tomorrow.

The chairman of Indonesia Police Watch (IPW) Sugeng Teguh Santoso emphasized that the expression of opinion in public is guaranteed by law. This is in accordance with Article 7 of Law Number 9 of 1998 concerning Freedom to Express Opinions in Public.

"The National Police must be able to respect the rights of citizens and the public to voice their opinions on the problems they are facing through standard security operating procedures (SOPs). Thus, repressive actions when the situation on the ground heats up must be avoided," said Sugeng to VOI, Sunday 10 April.

Sugeng also warned during the shift and withdrawal of the Dalmas troops with riot troops (PHH). According to Sugeng, troop shifts should be avoided and used as a last resort if the situation gets out of control.

"Because, usually the shift or change of troops will trigger friction between protesters and security forces. Not infrequently, this causes chaos and chaos (riots)," he said.

As is known, the demonstration will be held by a line of students who are members of the BEM-SI on Monday, April 11, tomorrow. This action is a continuation of the demonstration on March 28, then.

The students took to the streets demanding that President Jokowi firmly reject the postponement of the 2024 election or a three-term term, as the first demands that were brought up. Because it is considered to betray the state constitution.

In addition, another demand, the second from BEM-SI, is to urge Jokowi to postpone and review the Law regarding the State Capital (UU IKN). Third, urging Jokowi to stabilize prices and maintain the availability of basic commodities in the community.

Then the fourth demand, urging Jokowi to thoroughly investigate the cooking oil mafia and evaluate the performance of the minister. Fifth, regarding the resolution of agrarian conflicts in Indonesia. Finally, the sixth, urges Jokowi and his deputy, Ma'ruf Amin, to be fully committed to completing campaign promises for the remainder of their term.

President Joko Widodo himself has stated that there will be no postponement of the 2024 election and no extension of the presidential term. In fact, the President has forbidden his ministers to talk about the postponement and three terms of office.

"IPW reminds that public expression of opinions regarding the constitutional rights of students must not interfere with the rights of others and public order. Demonstrations should not be carried out by other parties, for certain political interests," said Sugeng.