A human rights group, the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS), has reported that at least 20 people are missing after violent protests rocked Indonesia. The protests, sparked by lavish perks for lawmakers, have widened to include anger against the police, resulting in six deaths and numerous injuries. KontraS documented 23 reports of missing persons, and after verification, 20 individuals remain unfound. The missing persons were reported in several cities, including Bandung, Depok, Central Jakarta, East Jakarta, and North Jakarta, with one incident occurring in an unknown location.
The protests, which began last week, have been intense, with clashes between protesters and police reported in multiple cities. Footage of a young delivery driver being killed by a paramilitary police unit further fueled the unrest. The police have arrested 1,240 people in Jakarta since August 25, and activist Delpedro Marhaen, director of the Lokataru Foundation, was arrested on suspicion of making provocative incitement to commit anarchic actions.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into the alleged use of disproportionate force by security forces, while Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Meenakshi Ganguly criticized the authorities for treating the protests as acts of treason or terrorism. The Indonesian government, led by President Prabowo Subianto, has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with some accusing the police of using excessive force. The situation remains tense, with more protests expected, and the government faces pressure to address the concerns of the protesters and ensure the safety of all citizens.
