Government Reaffirms Commitment to Establish Independent Investigation Team for Justice and Transparency
By: Ricky Rinaldi
The Government of the Republic of Indonesia has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing an independent investigation team in response to the recent wave of demonstrations. This move underscores that the government is not turning a blind eye to public aspirations but is instead taking the demands of students, civil society, and the international community seriously. Through this step, the government aims to ensure that every case involving casualties or injuries will be investigated transparently, objectively, and credibly, so that justice can be upheld without political interference or the influence of vested interests.
This measure is especially crucial considering that the demonstrations resulted in several casualties, including the deaths of Affan Kurniawan and Umar Amarudin, which have drawn significant public attention. Public demands, including those contained in the “17+8” package presented by students and civil groups, placed the formation of an independent investigation team as a top priority. The government recognizes that without such a mechanism, public trust in law enforcement could erode. Therefore, the decision to form an investigation team is not merely a political response but also a moral and constitutional responsibility to all Indonesian citizens.
Parliament has also expressed support for the government’s move. The Chairman of the National Awakening Party (PKB), Muhaimin Iskandar, stressed that the investigation team must be composed of credible figures with clean track records to ensure the findings are trusted by the public. Similarly, Chairman of the NasDem Party faction in the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Roberth Rouw, called for the inclusion of civil society representatives, academics, and independent institutions so that the results of the investigation would not be seen as biased. Cross-party support highlights that establishing an independent investigation team is a national necessity rather than a political agenda.
Students have also demanded the immediate formation of an independent team. The Coordinator of the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI), Melki Sadek, emphasized during a meeting with DPR leaders that such a team would be the best way to uncover incidents of violence during the demonstrations. Similarly, the Coordinator of the Nusantara PTNU BEM Alliance, Ahmad Hanafi, added that the student movement was born from public grievances, not subversive agendas as had been alleged. These demands align with the government’s efforts to design the team’s framework, signaling a positive convergence between public aspirations and the state’s response.
Academics have voiced their support as well. International Relations lecturer at UPN Veteran Jakarta, Firsty Chintya L.P., argued that the government must respond to UN scrutiny openly and without defensiveness. By involving Komnas HAM (the National Human Rights Commission), academics, and credible NGOs, she said, the government would gain public trust while also demonstrating to the international community that Indonesia upholds democracy and human rights. This perspective further strengthens the legitimacy of the government’s initiative, showing that the formation of the team is not a mere formality but a genuine effort to uphold the nation’s integrity on the global stage.
The government’s commitment has been reinforced through an inter-ministerial coordination meeting to discuss the legal aspects of handling demonstrations. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi stressed that the government consistently respects freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and is committed to prosecuting any alleged misconduct by security forces through transparent legal mechanisms. This affirmation shows that the government does not dismiss criticism but instead incorporates it as part of democratic governance reform.
Komnas HAM has welcomed the plan to establish an independent investigation team. Its Chairperson, Atnike Nova Sigiro, underlined the importance of professional handling of demonstrations and ensuring that victims’ families receive clear information and access to legal assistance. Komnas HAM’s support underscores the vital role of collaboration between the government and national independent institutions, which will be essential for ensuring the investigation results are publicly recognized as valid.
Civil society hopes that this initiative will serve as an entry point for reforming security governance in handling protests. The government itself views demonstrations as a healthy part of democracy, but emphasizes that they must not compromise lives or public order. Thus, the independent investigation team is expected not only to resolve the current cases but also to provide strategic recommendations for improving the management of demonstrations in the future.
This step is also critical in safeguarding national stability. Amid international scrutiny, including calls from the United Nations for transparent investigations, Indonesia must demonstrate that its legal system can operate independently. By forming a cross-sectoral investigation team, the government sends a strong message that the state does not tolerate human rights violations while proving that democracy in Indonesia remains on the right track.
Ultimately, the government’s commitment to forming an independent investigation team stands as proof that the state is present for its people—not merely listening but responding with concrete actions. While the public awaits the realization of this pledge, support from parliament, Komnas HAM, academics, and civil society suggests that the independent team will soon materialize. The government has emphasized that all processes will be conducted with openness, professionalism, and accountability to ensure justice for all Indonesian citizens.
*) Strategic Issues Analyst
