Komnas HAM: Investigate Mass Organisations' Involvement in Post-Demonstration Riots at DPR

The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has requested the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to investigate the alleged involvement of mass organisations (ormas) in the riots that occurred following demonstrations in front of the DPR/MPR Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (27/8).

“We are simply asking the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to conduct a deeper investigation into that matter,” said Saurlin P. Siagian, Commissioner of Monitoring and Investigation at Komnas HAM, at the Polri Criminal Investigation Agency building in Jakarta on Monday.

Saurline stated that he has coordinated with the Jakarta Metropolitan Police regarding the handling of the riot. Through this coordination, he received information that the police have commenced an investigation into the death of one victim.

Regarding the suspects identified by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, he ensured that Komnas HAM will monitor those individuals. “We will continue to monitor the individuals who have currently been named as suspects. We will identify them one by one later,” he said.

Furthermore, Komnas HAM is also encouraging the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to release parties who were not involved in the riots. “Those who are truly not related to the riots, we request that they be released. However, for those involved in the riots, I believe further action is necessary,” he added.

The Jakarta Metropolitan Police have named 45 individuals as suspects from the hundreds of people detained in connection with the riots following the public demonstrations around the DPR/MPR building on Thursday (27/8).

The modus operandi of the suspects includes the destruction of public facilities, assault on persons and property, committing group violence in public, causing chaos, and carrying sharp weapons.

Additionally, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the alleged involvement of mass organisations in the riot incident.