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JAKARTA, Indonesia –
With the government officially denying any plans to form a dedicated fact-finding team, attention now shifts to a joint investigation by human rights bodies, aiming to shed light on the recent deadly riots that gripped the nation. This advancement comes amid whispers of elite political factions potentially orchestrating the unrest.
The August protests, initially fueled by widespread dissatisfaction over the rising cost of living and perceived insensitivity from political leaders during economic hardship, tragically morphed into nationwide riots. The unrest, which erupted following the killing of online motorcycle taxi driver Affan Kurniawan in Jakarta on Aug. 28, claimed at least 10 lives. The ensuing chaos saw government buildings and public amenities set ablaze, and homes of politicians looted.
Human Rights Bodies Lead Investigation Amid Elite Speculation
Speculation about “provocateurs” with ties to state or political elites infiltrating the peaceful demonstrations gained traction after reports surfaced of unidentified individuals deliberately destroying public property. Further fueling the controversy,viral videos circulated alleging that some Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel,including an operative from the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS),incited violence during the protests. The TNI has consistently denied these accusations.
The escalating violence prompted widespread calls for President Prabowo Subianto to establish a government-backed team. Such a team would investigate not only the police’s forceful response to the protests but also the military’s potential role in the change of peaceful gatherings into deadly confrontations.
A joint investigation by human rights state bodies is now underway to uncover the truth behind recent nationwide riots.
Presidential Promise Followed by a Shift
President Prabowo Subianto had reportedly agreed to form a government-sanctioned investigation team, according to an assertion by the interfaith and pro-democracy group Gerakan Nurani Bangsa (GNB). The group claimed this agreement was made during a meeting with the President at the Presidential Palace on Sept. 11.
Though, this plan was reportedly shelved after six state human rights bodies, including the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), decided to launch their own joint investigation on sept. 12. Their stated objective is to thoroughly examine the root causes that lead to the violent outbreaks.
The protests began peacefully, driven by economic woes and political insensitivity, but turned deadly after the killing of an online motorcycle taxi driver, leading to widespread destruction.
- Amid gove