TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several Human Rights activists from the Social Movement Institute (SMI) organization stated that Indonesia is currently facing a police violence emergency.

"A shake-up at the top of the ladder, namely the National Police Chief, must be done as soon as possible, considering they have deviated from the characteristics of a democratic state police and human rights," said SMI founder, Eko Prasetyo, in his statement on Wednesday, 11 December 2024.

Eko said police violence has cost many lives and physical victims. Based on Amnesty International’s records, he said, 579 civilians became victims of police violence during the series of protests from 22-29 August 2024 in several provinces.

Other international human rights organizations also recorded 115 cases of violence that occurred in various regions of Indonesia from January to November 2024.

"However, there has never been an adequate investigation as a form of accountability for the violations committed by the authorities," Eko stated.

Eko reckoned the lack of transparency and the absence of severe punishment for the perpetrators is the main contributing factor to the repeated police violence in the country. He believes that instead of protecting citizens, the police always regard public demands as a threat, leading to a response that always ends in violence.

"Even in many situations, violence occurs only because the police showcased unwarranted distress response,” he said. 

Eko argued that ethical sanctions are no longer relevant. "Penal sanctions must be imposed, not ethical sanctions," he added.

The human rights activist urged the government to carry out comprehensive reforms within the police force. He warned that the independence currently held by the National Police was fought by civil society movements across Indonesia.  

In addition to dismissing the top leadership of the National Police, namely General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Eko also asked the government to allow the public to review police performance.  

"By allowing public participation to select police chiefs from central to regional levels,” he concluded.

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