The Thompson Rivers University Students’ Union has written to Indonesia’s National Police Chief, Listyo Sigit Prabowo, urging the immediate and unconditional release of eight activists who have been detained for peacefully expressing support for public protests in Indonesia. The letter calls on authorities to drop all criminal charges against the activists and to end the criminalization of peaceful dissent.
“Writing this letter is about standing up for the same rights students rely on every day to advocate, organize, and speak out,” said Sydney Mattis, Equity Committee member. “When peaceful protest is punished anywhere in the world, it weakens the protections that allow people—especially students and marginalized communities—to push for change.”
Between August 25 and 27, 2025, Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah, Muzaffar Salim, Khariq Anhar, Syahdan Hussein, Wawan Hermawan, Saiful Amin, Shelfin Bima Prakosa, and Muhammad “Paul” Fakhrurrozi were arrested by Indonesian police after participating in or expressing support for peaceful protests related to economic hardship and government budget decisions. Several of the activists reported experiencing physical violence during their arrest. They are currently detained across multiple facilities, including the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Office and police stations in East Java, and face criminal charges for allegedly inciting violence.
This case reflects a broader pattern of repression in Indonesia, where authorities have increasingly used detention, excessive force, and criminal charges to silence individuals who peacefully criticize government policies. The criminalization of peaceful assembly and expression undermines fundamental human rights and erodes public trust, particularly at a time when many communities are facing significant economic insecurity.
“These activists are being punished simply for raising concerns about the conditions affecting their lives and livelihoods,” Mattis added. “Peaceful protest is not a threat to public order—it is a vital tool for accountability, and it must be protected rather than suppressed.”
TRUSU urges Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo to immediately release all eight activists, drop all charges against them, and ensure that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fully respected.
We await a response from the National Police Chief on this urgent matter.
For More Information
The Amnesty Urgent Action Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.