Komnas HAM also urged law enforcement to provide legal aid to those arrested and detained, stressing that access to legal counsel is a fundamental human right.
“Many of those detained, according to reports from civil society groups, have no access to legal assistance. Komnas HAM is urging the police to uphold restorative justice,” Komnas HAM Chair Anis Hidayah said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Preliminary data collected by Komnas HAM showed that 1,683 protesters were detained by Jakarta Metropolitan Police on August 25, 28, 30, and 31. The figure remains subject to change.
In addition, 89 people were arrested in Solo, Central Java, on August 29–30, 2025. Since Monday (September 1), 14 others have also been detained, some of whom have been named suspects, Anis said.
Anis added that the commission regretted the arrest and prosecution of several activists, including Lokataru Executive Director Delpedro Marhaen, warning that such actions could undermine freedom of expression.
“Komnas HAM deeply regrets this and urges the police to apply restorative justice by releasing them,” she said.
The commission also pressed police to free protesters still held in provincial, district, and sub-district stations, and called for an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions.
“Law enforcement should be carried out in an accountable, transparent, and fair manner, based on human rights principles and the presumption of innocence,” Anis stated.
Komnas HAM further urged the restoration of rights for those arbitrarily detained as well as for victims killed or injured during the protests, noting that they and their families could suffer long-term trauma.
“This is especially true for vulnerable groups, such as women and children,” she said.
Related news: Komnas HAM urges Jakarta Police to release detained protesters
Related news: Komnas HAM urged security forces to uphold human rights amid protests
Translator: Fath Putra Mulya, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Primayanti
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
