Police's Humanistic Approach to Securing Protest Action Receives Appreciation
The Executive Board of Indonesian National Islamic Higher Education Institution Students (Dema PTKIN) Se-Indonesia has commended the police’s security approach during a student protest at National Police Headquarters on Friday, 27 February. The persuasive approach without barbed wire barricades was regarded as a significant step forward in safeguarding democratic space.
Miftahul Rizqi, Central Coordinator of Dema PTKIN Se-Indonesia, stated that the handling of approximately 400 protesters from the University of Indonesia (UI) and UPN Veteran Jakarta demonstrated a more professional police force that respects constitutional rights.
“Law enforcement personnel adopted a more humanistic approach, without intimidating repressive formations. This created a cool atmosphere for dialogue and minimised the potential for friction,” Miftahul said in a statement on Monday, 2 March.
Miftahul believes this non-violent security approach should become a standard model for all police forces across various regions of Indonesia. According to him, public safety and order can be maintained through dialogue-based approaches without resorting to repressive measures.
“The humanistic approach is not merely a security strategy, but rather an expression of commitment to democracy. We hope this consistency can restore public trust in the police institution,” he stated.
Despite appreciating the security handling in Jakarta, Miftahul emphasised that students maintain critical demands towards the police institution. One major issue raised was deep grief over the death of an MTsN student in Tual, Maluku, allegedly caused by violence perpetrated by Mobile Brigade members.
Miftahul said his organisation is pressing the Police Chief to take firm action, including thoroughly investigating and prosecuting Mobile Brigade members responsible for violence in Tual, promoting concrete and comprehensive police reform, releasing political detainees, and limiting police authority in civilian positions.
“Students are disappointed by the arrogant behaviour of certain officers. However, the handling of the protest at National Police Headquarters this time demonstrated commitment to a civilised rule of law,” he added.
Students were urged to continue conveying aspirations peacefully and constitutionally, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.