Ensure Right To Protest

The ongoing protest in Indonesia has now taken a violent form, leading to the loss of seven lives, injury to hundreds and the disappearance of twenty people. The demonstration initially was a peaceful one, centred in Jakarta. However, after the death of an innocent twenty-one-year-old delivery driver, the whole situation got out of hand, leading to the spread of the protest across the country in a very brutal manner. The authority’s crackdown on the protest has raised questions about the protesters’ right to protest, sparking widespread backlash against the government.

Despite Indonesia’s strong economic status within the country, unemployment, inequality and the stronghold of the political elite persist. This has fueled dissatisfaction and disappointment among the public, as evident in the recent case. The government had decided to increase the salary of the parliamentarians to 100 million rupiah, including a substantial allowance. Reports state that the allowance is ten times higher than the minimum wage in the country. 

The incident took a huge form with the death of a young man, who was not even involved in the protest. The government’s paramilitary police force, in its efforts to dissuade a group of protesters, had run over the man. This brought anger and the violence spread like a wildfire from Jakarta to various regions across the country. In several of the cities, protesters have attacked and damaged public buildings, setting them on fire.

The deployment of the military by the government has brought a huge clash between the protesters and the authorities. Hundreds of protesters have been detained by the police. The President of the country initially termed the protest an act of treason and terrorism. International organisations like the United Nations and Human Rights Watch have expressed concern about the attacks made against the protesters. It has been reported that, besides protesters, a crackdown against journalists has also occurred in the country. 

While the government has decided not to continue the perks provided to the legislators, what is more critical at this point is to restrain attacks against protesters. Security forces must be made accountable and they must be directed to use minimal force, as per the United Nations’ standards. By restricting the excessive use of force, the government can help de-escalate the protest. Likewise, an independent investigation must be carried out into the deaths and injuries of the protesters. The right to protest is considered fundamental to safeguarding human rights. Moreover, it is a means to bring about social movement and fight against social injustices.

 In democracies, people have the right to protest. The state has the duty to respect, facilitate and protect the right. Dialogue must be promoted over the use of force to immediately put a stop to and de-escalate the current situation. This protest must be utilised as a way to strengthen the political system of the country. These incidents are also a big lesson for other countries, including Nepal, demanding rule of law, accountability and responsibility towards the public on the part of the politicians. In today’s democratic world, citizen supremacy and the fundamental right of protest must be promoted at any cost.