KPAI Reveals Police Brutality Against Child Demonstrators

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) has found violations of children's rights during demonstrations against the ratification of the revised Regional Election Law held in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Makassar, Semarang, and Surabaya on August 22 and 23, 2024.

KPAI Chairperson Ai Maryati Solihah stated that seven children were arrested at Jakarta Metro Police, 22 children were arrested in Semarang, Central Java, and one child was arrested in Makassar, South Sulawesi. 

“All of them have been returned to their respective families,” she said during a press conference on August 28, 2024.

The police employed excessive force to disperse the demonstrations, which included children. The children were beaten, choked during arrests, and exposed to tear gas.

The police also disregarded the health rights of students who were examined at police stations following their arrests. “They were left without food, examined in air-conditioned rooms at night without shoes,” she explained.

Based on the evidence, the arrested children were primarily aged 14 to 16 years old, minors who do not possess political rights and require protection. “They have the right to receive information and education,” added KPAI Commissioner Slyvana Maria Apituley.

Jakarta Police Names 19 Suspects in DPR Riots

Jakarta Metro Police have named 19 people as suspects out of 50 demonstrators who were detained during the riots that occurred in front of the House of Representatives (DPR) building on August 22, 2024.

“Of the 50 people who have been secured, investigators from the State Security Sub-Directorate (Kamneg) of the Directorate of General Criminal Investigation (Ditreskrimum) of Metro Jaya Police have finally named 19 of them as suspects,” said Head of Public Relations of Metro Jaya Police, Sr. Comr. Ade Ary Syam Indradi as reported by Antara, Friday, August 23, 2024.

Ade Ary explained that one suspect was charged with Article 170 of the Criminal Code concerning assault, specifically damaging the front fence of the DPR.

“The determination of this suspect has undergone a thorough investigation process, including the confiscation of evidence, collection of evidence, and application of a case title,” he added.

Eighteen other suspects were charged under Article 212 of the Criminal Code concerning violence against officers, Article 214 concerning violence against officers by consensus/two or more people, and/or Article 218 of the Criminal Code concerning disregarding the orders of officers on duty. All 50 demonstrators, including the 19 suspects, have been released and returned to their families under the condition of supervision to prevent recurrence.

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