
Indonesia: Authorities must investigate eight deaths following violent crackdown on protests
Responding to the Indonesian government’s announcement that at least eight people have been killed since nationwide protests against low wages, tax hikes and lawmakers’ pay started on 25 August, Amnesty International’s Regional Research Director, Montse Ferrer, said:
“The increasing number of deaths from the crackdown on protests in Jakarta and other regions in Indonesia is alarming. Nobody should die while exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“Authorities in Indonesia must promptly ensure an independent and impartial investigation into these deaths and violent incidents, including the killing of a motorcycle taxi driver after an armoured police vehicle was recklessly driven in a crowded area. Authorities must ensure those responsible for these deaths are identified and held to account in fair trials.
“Despite the largely peaceful nature of the protests, the police in several cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, repeatedly resorted to unnecessary and excessive force, including by inappropriately and excessively using tear gas to quash the demonstrations.