West Sumatra High Prosecutor's Office Denies Forcible Pickup of Student Activist

The West Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office (Kejati Sumbar) has refuted claims that it forcibly picked up a student activist, Fadil Ramadhan, from his home on Sunday, 12 July. Fadil, a member of the Islamic University Students Organisation (SEMMI) in West Sumatra, was allegedly taken following a protest at the Kejati office on Friday.

According to the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Padang, Fadil was approached by officers at his residence and taken to the Kejati Sumbar office, sparking concerns over the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression. LBH Padang’s Head of Advocacy, Adrizal, stated that the incident raised serious questions about potential human rights violations and abuse of power, particularly as journalists also faced restricted access during the process. He stressed that any legal action must be based on clear authority and transparent procedures to avoid perceptions of intimidation.

Fadil recounted his experience, saying he was brought to the office under duress alongside his parents and local neighbourhood officials. He claimed that upon arrival, he was met by the Head of the High Prosecutor’s Office, Dedie Tri Haryadi, and was pressured to admit to damaging the office fence during the rally, confess to being paid to protest, and sign a statement of apology. Fadil said he was only released around 9:30 p.m. and remains in a state of shock and fear.

In response, Assistant for Intelligence at Kejati Sumbar, Agustinus Hanung Wydiatmaka, denied any intimidation or forced pickup. He claimed the student, identified by the initials FR, was simply invited for a discussion to understand the objectives of the protest, as no dialogue had occurred during the demonstration itself. LBH Padang has urged the prosecutor’s office to transparently disclose the legal basis for the meeting and to ensure that state actions do not intimidate citizens exercising their democratic rights.