By: Indah Prameswari*)
The Government of Indonesia, through the House of Representatives (DPR RI), is preparing to form an independent investigation team to thoroughly probe the causes and actors behind the protests that turned violent between August 25–31, 2025. The widespread demonstrations in Jakarta and several regions resulted in casualties, damage to public facilities, and raised concerns over national security stability.
DPR member Rieke Diah Pitaloka confirmed that the process of forming the investigation team is currently underway. Parliament has pledged to announce the team’s composition and conduct the investigation process transparently before the public.
The establishment of this investigation team is not merely a formality but a concrete commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. This step was taken in response to demands from civil society groups calling for a thorough inquiry into alleged acts of violence during the unrest.
President Prabowo Subianto has repeatedly emphasized that student aspirations must be respected, but anarchic actions and destruction of public facilities cannot be tolerated. In this way, the government seeks to balance the protection of citizens’ democratic rights with the obligation to maintain public order.
Strengthening democratic systems is one of the main objectives of forming the team. By introducing an independent investigative mechanism, the government aims to ensure that every national incident is handled honestly, openly, and professionally. The investigation’s outcome is expected to serve as a crucial lesson for improving governance of security and politics, while also fostering healthy dialogue between the government, students, and civil society.
Support has also come from political elites after President Prabowo highlighted indications of treason and terrorism behind the anarchic acts. Several parties stressed the importance of distinguishing between genuine student movements and infiltrators allegedly intent on provoking chaos. The NasDem Party faction in DPR even urged the acceleration of the team’s formation to thoroughly investigate treason allegations.
NasDem faction leader Viktor Laiskodat asserted that forming an independent investigation team is urgently needed to uncover the violent incidents without leaving room for speculation or politicization. He stressed that the team must consist of capable figures, involving law enforcement, independent institutions, and civil society representatives to ensure strong legitimacy.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant against provocations, hoaxes, and divisive narratives. Dialogue and deliberation, he added, must be prioritized to prevent a recurrence of deadly demonstrations. NasDem has also expressed full support for President Prabowo in uncovering treason indications behind the protests. The presence of the investigation team is seen as strengthening the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and legal certainty.
Military analyst Beni Sukadis echoed this sentiment, arguing that student aspirations expressed during the demonstrations were genuine. However, he also observed indications of other groups infiltrating the protests for ulterior motives. According to him, President Prabowo’s remarks on treason were not directed at students but intended to emphasize that their movement had been exploited by provocateurs.
Meanwhile, the National Police (Polri) is conducting a parallel investigation into acts of violence that occurred during the protests. One case drawing public attention is the death of Reza Sendi Pratama, a student at Amikom Yogyakarta. Police confirmed that their investigation into the incident is ongoing to determine the cause and identify those responsible.
The announcement of the independent investigation team’s formation has been positively received by the public. Student organizations and civil society groups have urged the team to work objectively, free from political interference or pressure. They emphasized that the truth must be revealed—whether concerning treason allegations or the involvement of provocator groups. Academics have also viewed the government’s move as a strategic effort to ease post-protest political tensions and maintain government legitimacy in the eyes of the public.
Furthermore, DPR and the government are committed to involving independent elements, including academics, community leaders, and NGOs. This reflects the government’s seriousness in ensuring the investigation process is transparent, accountable, and credible before the people. By engaging multiple stakeholders, the investigation team is expected to deliver objective recommendations and serve as a basis for resolving cases fairly.
The government’s swift response to public demands also deserves recognition. Shortly after the demonstrations ended, DPR promptly discussed and decided to form the investigation team. This demonstrates the government’s sensitivity to public concerns and its commitment to preventing a recurrence of such tragedies in the future.
Through this initiative, the government shows that maintaining national stability does not mean silencing public aspirations. Instead, by adopting an inclusive and transparent independent investigation approach, the government aims to strengthen public trust, reinforce national unity, and ensure justice is upheld in the interests of the nation as a whole.
*) The author is a Security Issues Observer
