Indonesia: Crackdown on protests, stifling of expression and repression in Papua continues in Prabowo’s first four months in power

In Indonesia, civic space remains rated as ‘obstructed’ in the latest People Power Under Attack report published in December 2024. Among the main concerns are the use of restrictive laws, including defamation provisions against human rights defenders and journalists as well as harassment and threats against them. The authorities have criminalised Papuan activists for their peaceful expression, while protests across Indonesia have been met with arbitrary arrests and excessive force from the police

During President Prabowo Subianto’s first 100 days in office, he had indicated a commitment to a conditional release of Papuan political activists in detention as part of a larger amnesty programme. However, human rights groups have raised concerns about Prabowo’s seriousness in protecting freedom of expression and opinion. There are also concerns about the ongoing impunity for human rights violations by the security forces, dealing with past serious crimes and the restrictions on civic freedoms.

There were nationwide student protests at the end of February 2025 against President Prabowo’s budget cuts , marking a key test of his leadership. The “Dark Indonesia” (#IndonesiaGelap) rally saw hundreds of students from leading universities carrying banners as they gathered outside the presidential palace in central Jakarta, many clad in black. Similar protests drawing thousands of students have taken place in other parts of the country, including Surabaya, Bali, Medan and Yogyakarta.

In recent months, a woman protester was jailed for opposing a palm oil mill while a protest against a hike in tax was forcibly dispersed. Protesters in Papua, including students, faced suppression and arrests for their activism. An environmental expert is facing a lawsuit and harassment for testifying in court while a punk band has had to apologise and withdraw a song on police corruption. Commemorations of a historic day in Papua were targeted with police repression. A Papuan human rights defender faced intimidation and an environmental activist was attacked, while the investigation by the national human rights body into the case of human rights defender Munir is facing challenges.

Peaceful Assembly

Woman protester jailed for opposing palm oil mill

A woman protester from North Sumatera province was sentenced to more than five months in prison in November 2024 for speaking out against the environmental damage caused by a nearby palm oil mill.

Gustina Salim Rambe was arrested by Labuhan Batu police on 20th May 2024 during a demonstration to oppose the factory reopening. She was subsequently charged for her part in obstructing vehicle access to the factory and threatening violence against an official acting in the lawful performance of his official duties (Article 212 of the criminal code).

According to Mongabay, some 400 children attending the Harisma Private Elementary Madrasah had been inhaling smoke emitted by the chimney at the factory, which is right next door. Two local schools are located close to the factory. The local community were worried about environmental pollution as the factory is in a residential area.

Delima Silalahi, director of the Community Initiatives Study and Development Group (KSPPM), a civil society organisation, said Gustina should be protected from any prosecution, as her actions were a form of environmental advocacy. She explained that the protest was lawful, aimed at opposing a factory built near residential areas without the company’s compliance with free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

Protest against hike in tax forcibly dispersed

Police dispersed a student protest in Jakarta in December 2024 against the 12 percent hike in the Value Added Tax (VAT). The protest was organised by the Indonesia Student Executive Body (Badan Eksekutif Mahasiswa Seluruh Indonesia or BEM SI).

According to reports, ahead of the protest, the police deployed at least 820 personnel from the police and military to oversee the protest at the Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta.

The students gathered held speeches, read poems and also released balloons. The protesters were then asked to disperse at 7.30pm. When they refused to do so as no one from the Presidential palace had met them, police used water cannons against the protesters, forcing them to disperse. Some protesters were also physically assaulted by the police.

Protesters in Papua face suppression and arrests

Activists holding protests in Papua faced various forms of violations including being arrested, ill-treated and prosecuted by the security forces with impunity.

The Human Rights Monitor reported that on 15th November 2024, thousands of Papuans took to the streets after the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) called for peaceful Papua-wide demonstrations against the central Government’s plan to relaunch the transmigration programme, with West Papua being one of the target areas.

Indigenous Papuans are concerned that the influx of people from more developed areas will inevitably contribute to the marginalisation of Papuans, exacerbate land grabbing and exploitation of natural resources instead of bringing benefits for indigenous communities.

In Sentani, Jayapura Regency, police reportedly prevented KNPB activists from distributing leaflets for the demonstration on 13th and 14th November 2024. On 15th November 2024, protesters were forcibly dispersed by the authorities using water cannon, tear gas, wooden sticks and rubber ammunition. At least eleven protesters were injured during the crackdown. In Nabire, at least four protesters were injured during the crackdown and 14 protesters were arbitrarily detained at the Nabire District Police Station.

On 10th December 2024, a group of students from the Walter Post School of Theology (STT) in Sentani, Jayapura were arbitrarily detained by police while they were driving to a public commemoration worship for Human Rights Day, organised by the Papuan Council of Churches and Indigenous pastors. According to the Human Rights Monitor, despite their attempts to negotiate and explain their intentions, the police prohibited them from continuing their journey, citing concerns about potential disruptions due to the public assembly. The students were transported to the Jayapura District Police and detained for more than three hours before being released

On 12th February 2025, students from the Puncak Regency, along with an investigative team probing the murder and mutilation of Tarina Murib, attempted to hold a peaceful demonstration at the local parliament Office in Nabire, Central Papua Province. The protesters aimed to demand justice for Tarina Murib’s family and accountability for her killing, which allegedly involved military personnel from Battalion 303. Authorities thwarted the demonstration, with police officers blocking the road in front of the Puncak Student Dormitory at 8:00 am local time using armoured crowd control vehicles and police trucks.

Police restricted and ill-treated Papuan students on 17th February 2025 who held protests rejecting the 'free nutritious meal' programme introduced by President Prabowo and instead demanding free education and improvements to school facilities.

In Nabire, Central Papua, the police blocked dozens of students who were heading to the location of the protest and took them to a police station by truck. A viral video circulated showing a civilian officer ill-treating students. In Jayapura City, Papua, 15 junior and senior high school students were briefly detained when they were about to join the demonstration and were sent home after being questioned at the Heram Police Station. In Yalimo Regency, Papua Highlands, the police reportedly fired 12 shots and tear gas, while in Wamena City, Papua Highlands, the police fired tear gas.

Expression

Environmental expert faces a lawsuit and harassment for testifying in court

Prominent environmental forensic expert Bambang Hero Saharjo faces yet another potential lawsuit for serving as a state witness against alleged violators, this time in a high-profile tin laundering case.

According to Mongabay, a police report was filed against Bambang on 8th January 2025 alleging the veteran forestry professor lacked the competence to assess the total environmental damages incurred in the case — a convoluted corruption scheme involving illegal mining in the tin hub of the Bangka-Belitung Islands. Several people have been charged in the case, many of them already convicted and sentenced.

A professor at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) and recipient of the prestigious John Maddox Prize in 2019, Bambang has given expert testimony in more than 500 cases of environmental destruction.

He is also facing online attacks. A viral post on the social media platform X on 6th January 2025 similarly questioned Bambang’s qualifications and spawned the hashtag #BambangHeroSalahHitung, or “Bambang Hero counted wrong.” Two days later, protesters demonstrated outside the office of the Bangka-Belitung provincial audit agency to again denounce Bambang’s findings.

Human rights group KontraS (The Commission for the Disappeared and and Victims of Violence) said: “The report against Bambang Hero should be seen as an attempt at judicial harassment or intimidation. Attacks and intimidation are likely to arise against experts who provide information to support the disclosure of corruption cases.”

Activists have labelled the latest police report against Bambang, as with the previous ones, a classic example of a strategic lawsuit against public participation, or SLAPP - the use of the justice system to intimidate and silence critics.

Punk band apologises and withdraws song on police corruption

On 20th January 2025 a punk rock band, Sukatani, had to issue a public apology and withdraw from online platforms their song "Bayar Bayar Bayar" (Pay, Pay, Pay) about police corruption. Many believe the police had put pressure on them to do so.

Band members Muhammad Syifa Al Lutfi and Novi Citra Indriyati appeared in a video statement expressing remorse for any offence caused to the Indonesian National Police and the public.

The song recently went viral, featuring lyrics that criticise alleged police corruption and abuse of power. However, the song uses the general term "police," not specifically referring to any particular country's police force.

The apology and withdrawal of the song have sparked a debate about freedom of expression and artistic criticism in Indonesia. There are also concerns about potential pressure from authorities for the band to issue an apology.

Chairperson of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) Muhammad Isnur stated that the withdrawal of Sukatani's song is “a form of anti-critique and a suppression of both expression and artistic freedom.” He compared the withdrawal of Sukatani's song to the censorship of artistic works during the New Order era under former dictator Suharto.

On 24th January the Indonesian National Police's Professional and Security Division said it was currently investigating six personnel from the Directorate of Special Criminal Investigation of the Central Java Regional Police regarding allegations of intimidation against the band.

Commemorations of historic day in Papua targeted by police repression

On 1st December 2024, police officers searched the Paniai Male Student Dormitory in Nabire following a morning service commemorating the 1st of December. On the same date in 1961, the Morning Star Flag, which many Papuans consider the most important symbol of cultural identity, was first raised before the region was brought under Indonesian rule following a fraudulent UN-supervised referendum in 1969.

According to the Human Rights Monitor, police forces entered the dormitory, arrested eleven students without providing a warrant and seized cell phones, laptops, cash, a camera, and kitchen utensils. The police officers caused significant property damage, including breaking dormitory doors and cabinets, and scattering belongings.

Some students managed to escape and recounted their experiences of the raid, describing the destruction and fear instilled by the armed officers. Despite the scale of the operation, no official explanation has been provided for the raid, arrests, or confiscations.

Worker prosecuted for defamation acquitted

On 22nd January 2025, the Central Jakarta District Court acquitted a worker who was criminally indicted under the draconian Electronic Information and Transactions Law (ITE law) for allegedly defaming her outspoken online entrepreneur boss.

Septia Dwi Pertiwi was reported to the police for defamation by her former employer Henry Kurnia Adhi, co-owner of PT Hive Five, after she criticised the company in January 2023 on social media for allegedly underpaying employees and neglecting their rights. On 26th August 2024, a detention order was issued by the Central Jakarta Prosecutor's Office and Septia was arrested by the prosecutor and charged. On 19th September 2024 she was placed in city detention.

The ITE law – a vague and overbroad law - has been systematically used to arrest, prosecute and punish activists, journalists, and government critics.

The trial started on 10th September 2024, with a total of 21 hearings held before the courts issued a verdict acquitting Septia of all charges and releasing her from detention on 22nd January 2025.

Association

Papuan human rights defender faced intimidation

On 26th January 2025, Papuan human rights defender Tineke Rumkabu faced intimidation from security forces

According to the Human Rights Monitor, Tineke had attended a service at the GIDI Church outpost in Biak. After the service, while she and other church members gathered in the compound, security force personnel arrived and began questioning Rumkabu about her alleged activities related to the Free Papua movement. They presented a photo allegedly showing a meeting in support of political independence. Rumkabu firmly denied such activities, asserting that the gathering was solely for worship and fellowship.

Later that afternoon, the officers returned to Rumkabu’s house in full military gear, with some in civilian clothes. Rumkabu perceived the unannounced visit, without providing a clear reason or official warrant, as an act of intimidation.

Tineke Rumkabu is an indigenous Papuan human rights defender from Biak. She is a survivor of the 1998 Biak Massacre, when on 6th July of that year the Indonesian security forces opened fire on peaceful pro-independence demonstrators on the island of Biak, in response to the raising of the West Papuan Morning Star flag. An estimated 150-200 people were killed, and many of those detained allegedly subjected to torture, rape and sexual mutilation. No criminal prosecutions or accountability measures have ever been taken by the Indonesian government in response to the massacre.

This is not the first time that security force members have tried to intimidate Tineke. She has faced intimidation and surveillance by security force members since June 2024, after speaking at the 53rd session of the Permanent People’s Tribunal (PPT) on West Papua in London via Zoom.

Environmental activist beaten in Teluk Bintuni

On 20th December 2024, Sulfianto Alias, director of the NGO Panah Papua, was beaten by a group of individuals in multiple locations in Teluk Bintuni, Papua Barat province. One of the perpetrators allegedly identified himself as a police officer. Sulfianto suffered severe injuries, including head lacerations, facial bruises, and swelling in his stomach and back. The motive for the assault remains unclear, though it appears linked to political inquiries about Sulfianto’s support for a regional candidate.

According to the Human Rights Monitor, the incident occurred at midnight outside the Cenderawasih Cafe in Bintuni, where Sulfianto was attacked by a group of men. Despite attempting to escape, he was cornered in a bathroom and beaten repeatedly with fists, a wooden stick, and stones. He was then coerced onto a motorcycle under the pretext of being taken to the police station. Instead, he was brought to a secluded forested area in Tanah Merah, where the assailants interrogated Mr Sulfianto, demanded access to his phone, and tortured him again. The attackers left him injured at a third location, where he eventually managed to find help and was taken to a hospital.

Sulvianto and his group Panah Papua recently worked on a campaign against an oil palm company, as well as a national strategic project (PSN) producing fertilizer in West Papua.

Munir investigation hampered by frequent absence of witnesses

In December 2024, Anis Hidayah, a commissioner in the national human rights body (Komnas HAM) stated that the investigation process into the murder of human rights defender Munir Said Thalib was hindered because witnesses to be examined were frequently absent.

In February 2025, human rights group KontraS said there were also concerns that budget cuts to the national human rights body could impact the investigation into serious human rights violations, including Munir’s case.

The investigation into the Munir case is being conducted by an ad hoc team formed by Komnas HAM formed in 2024. They had begun examining witnesses, including former chairmen and members of the Munir Fact-Finding Team, a number of human rights defenders, and law enforcement officers who had handled his criminal case.

Munir was arguably Indonesia’s most internationally recognised human rights lawyer. He helped set up the The Commission for the Disappeared and and Victims of Violence (KontraS) and took up the cause of dozens of activists who had been subjected to enforced disappearances during the last months of the Suharto government in 1998. He also played a significant role in uncovering evidence of military responsibility for human rights violations in Aceh and Timor-Leste.

An autopsy carried out by the Dutch authorities showed that he died as a result of arsenic poisoning. Although three people have now been convicted for involvement in the killing, there are credible allegations that those responsible for ordering his murder are still at large.