Indonesia Police Tear Gas Protests Investigation
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- Jakarta, Indonesia - Indonesian police employed unlawful force, including beatings and improper use of tear gas and water cannons, against protesters during widespread demonstrations between August 25th and...
- At a Glance What: Indonesian police used unlawful force against protesters.
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Indonesian Police Used Unlawful Force Against Protesters, Amnesty International Finds
Table of Contents
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian police employed unlawful force, including beatings and improper use of tear gas and water cannons, against protesters during widespread demonstrations between August 25th and September 1st, 2025, a new examination by Amnesty International reveals. The report, released today, details a pattern of excessive force used to suppress peaceful protests against rising costs of living, tax increases, and lawmakers’ pay.
At a Glance
- What: Indonesian police used unlawful force against protesters.
- Where: Demonstrations occurred in Jakarta, Bandung, Surakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Bengkulu, among other cities.
- When: Between August 25th and September 1st, 2025.
- why it Matters: The crackdown raises serious concerns about freedom of assembly and police accountability in Indonesia.
- What’s Next: Calls for an independent investigation into the police response have been ignored by the government of President Prabowo Subianto.
What Happened: Protests and Police Response
Mass demonstrations erupted across Indonesia in late august and early September 2025, fueled by public discontent over low wages, increased taxes, and perceived corruption within the government. Protesters initially engaged in peaceful marches,but the response from law enforcement quickly escalated.
Amnesty International’s Evidence Lab authenticated 36 videos, alongside interviews with five victims and witnesses, documenting instances of police brutality. These included:
* firing water cannons at protesters at close range.
* Beating individuals with batons.
* Deploying GLI-F4-style tear gas grenades, known for their potential to cause severe injuries, including limb loss.
According to data compiled from NGOs and legal aid organizations, at least 4,194 protesters were arrested during this period. As of September 27th, 959 individuals had been formally charged, while the remainder were released without charge. Alarmingly, 295 of those charged were reported to be children at the time of their arrest. A total of 1,036 people were documented as victims of violence across 69 incidents in 19 cities.
The Use of Dangerous Tear Gas grenades
A especially concerning finding of the Amnesty International investigation is the use of GLI-F4 tear gas grenades. These grenades are considered exceptionally dangerous due to the potential presence of an explosive compound alongside chemical irritants. The blast and resulting debris can cause serious physical harm,leading to injuries and even loss of limbs. Many countries have banned their use by law enforcement, and Amnesty International has repeatedly called for a global prohibition.
– ahmedhassan
the Indonesian government’s continued reliance on GLI-F4 tear gas grenades, despite documented risks, is deeply troubling. This demonstrates a disregard for the safety of protesters and a willingness to employ potentially lethal force in response to dissent. The lack of an independent investigation further exacerbates the situation, shielding law enforcement from accountability and perpetuating a culture of impunity.
Arrests and Charges: Targeting activists and Children
The arrests following the protests have raised concerns about the targeting of activists and human rights defenders.At least 12 of those charged are accused of “inciting violence,” a charge often used to suppress legitimate protest. The fact that nearly 300 children were among those arrested highlights the disproportionate impact of the crackdown on vulnerable populations.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Protesters Arrested | 4,194 |
| Protesters Formally charged | 959 |
| Activists/Human Rights Defenders Charged | 12 |
| Children Among Those Charged | 295 |
| Documented Victims of Violence | 1,036 |
| Incidents of Violence | 69 |
| Cities Affected | 19 |
Lack of Accountability and Calls for Investigation
Despite repeated calls from civil society organizations, President Prabowo Subianto’s government has yet to establish an independent team