Jakarta, Sketsa.id – Recent protests in Indonesia’s capital have drawn international attention to the government’s crowd control methods, with human rights organizations questioning the proportionality of police response during demonstrations that turned violent last week.

The protests, initially organized to voice opposition to proposed legislative changes, escalated when some participants attempted to breach security barriers near government buildings. Indonesian authorities deployed tear gas, water cannons, and riot shields to disperse crowds, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director Usman Hamid expressed concern over the police response: “While we recognize the state’s obligation to maintain public order, the use of force must always be proportional and necessary. There are serious questions about whether these standards were met in Jakarta this week.”

The Jakarta Police defended their actions, with spokesperson Senior Commissioner Yusri Yunus stating: “Our officers followed established protocols to prevent further escalation. We targeted only those elements that were engaging in vandalism and violence against security personnel.”

The incident has sparked debate about freedom of assembly in Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy. The United Nations Human Rights Office has called for transparency in the investigation of the events, emphasizing the need to balance public safety with civil liberties.

Local business owners reported significant losses due to the disruptions, while medical facilities treated numerous cases of respiratory problems from tear gas exposure. The government has promised to review the events and consider adjustments to crowd management protocols.

As Indonesia continues its democratic development, the balance between maintaining public order and protecting civil liberties remains a challenging frontier for both authorities and citizens alike. (*)