DIY Student Forum Protests Police Brutality Case
The DIY Student Forum held a protest in front of the Yogyakarta Special Region DPRD building on Wednesday afternoon. The protesters demanded police reform in response to the death of Aryanto Tawakal, a student who was allegedly assaulted by a Brimob officer in Tual, Maluku.
According to detikJogja, dozens of protesters gathered in front of the DPRD building on Jalan Malioboro, Yogyakarta, at 5:00 PM. They delivered speeches and demanded justice for Aryanto Tawakal.
Faturahman Djaguna, the coordinator of the DIY Student Forum, stated that the protest was triggered by public outrage over the alleged assault by a police officer.
“This action stems from the concern over the case that has sparked public anger. One of them is a police officer or Brimob member in Tual who committed an assault that resulted in the victim’s death, and the victim was a 14-year-old,” said Faturahman during the protest.
He believes that the case raises serious questions about the commitment to police reform. Faturahman stated that the formation of a reform team within the police force needs to be demonstrated through internal improvements.
“If it is serious, incidents of police misconduct, from fraud to rape to assault, would not occur. This raises questions about the seriousness of police reform,” he explained.
The DIY Student Forum’s demands are as follows:
Total police reform to end impunity and thoroughly reform the institution, not just through rhetoric.
Revoke the license of PT Ormat Geothermal, a company owned by Israel that operates in North Maluku, and ensure that it does not harm the basic needs of the people.
Reject the MBG program, which is not well-targeted and does not address the basic needs of the people.
Ensure transparency and open audits of the Merah Putih Cooperative to prevent misuse of funds and hidden oligarchic practices.
Reject the involvement of the TNI in civilian affairs and withdraw the TNI to the barracks to maintain civilian supremacy.
Reject the President’s pro-foreign stance, which could threaten national sovereignty.
Realize free, quality, and equitable education and healthcare as mandated by the constitution.
Reject the draft law on disinformation and foreign propaganda, which could silence freedom of expression and public criticism.
Resolve the waste crisis in DIY comprehensively and transparently.
Complete the crackdown on illegal mining in DIY and stop all forms of exploitation that damage the environment.
It is known that a Brimob officer named Bripda Mesias Siahaya allegedly assaulted Aryanto Tawakal, a Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs) student, to death in Tual. Mesias was eventually dismissed from the police force.
Previously, he apologized and admitted that he was negligent, which caused the teenager’s death.
“I sincerely apologize to the victim’s parents and family. I was negligent and did not think about the impact of my negligence,” said Bripda Mesias during the Police Code of Ethics Hearing (KKEP) at the Maluku Police, Tuesday (February 24) early morning, as reported by detikSulsel.