Arrests of Indonesian protesters spur fears of censorship, more political chaos

The arrests of activists and social media users in Indonesia on accusations of inciting violence in the recent protests have prompted rights advocates to warn of a “serious threat” to freedom of expression in the world’s third-largest democracy.

Jakarta police last week named 43 people as suspects behind “a series of anarchic acts” during the weeklong protests across Indonesia in late August. The protests were sparked by anger over the excessive perks given to lawmakers, which later morphed into riots after a motorcycle taxi driver was fatally hit by a police armoured vehicle.

The unrest has claimed at least 10 lives, according to the country’s human rights commission.

The suspects were believed to have incited others to join the protests or to vandalise property and resist officers, Ade Ary Syam Indradi, a spokesman with the Jakarta police, told reporters on September 4.

Among the suspects was Delpedro Marhaen, an executive director with Jakarta-based human rights group Lokataru Foundation. The group posted on social media a photo that police claimed encouraged students to join the protests. The post also included a hotline number that students could call to report any punishments against them for taking part in protests. Muzaffar Salim, a Lokataru staff member who managed the account, was also arrested.

“There are [social media] accounts that try to encourage children to take to the street, to take action and [assure] that they will be protected,” Ade said.