September 12, 2025 | 06:46 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Nation's Conscience Movement, a coalition of prominent intellectuals and religious leaders, has called on President Prabowo Subianto to release activists and students who remain in police custody following the August protests. The group presented their request to the President at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on September 11, 2025.
The movement includes notable figures such as Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, M. Quraish Shihab, Ahmad Mustofa Bisri, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo, Omi Komariah Nurcholish Madjid, Frans Magnis Suseno, and Amin Abdullah.
Other members are Bhikkhu Pannyavaro Mahathera, Alissa Q. Wahid, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Karlina Rohima Supelli, Jacky Manuputty, Gomar Gultom, A. Setyo Wibowo, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, Eri Seda, Laode Moh. Syarif, Makarim Wibisono, Komaruddin Hidayat, and Slamet Rahardjo.
Following a three-hour meeting with Prabowo, former Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin stated that many students, activists, and scholars were still being held in various cities. "We hope they can be released as soon as possible because they are, at their core, our children who should not be in such a situation," he said.
Lukman explained that their continued detention could disrupt their education and jeopardize their futures. He stressed that the students and activists were engaged in peaceful, constitutionally protected demonstrations. He noted that while the protests ultimately turned violent, the peaceful demonstrators may not have been the ones who initiated the violence.
"Many of them were not involved [in the chaos]. So, we are urging the government to act on this promptly," Lukman added.
In addition to the release of detainees, the movement's leaders also urged the President to form an independent investigative team to probe the violent turn of the protests at the end of August.
Lukman, who is also a member of Amnesty International Indonesia, emphasized that an independent commission is necessary to prevent false accusations and slander against peaceful civil society actions. He added that this commission should not only have individuals of integrity and professionalism but also possess the authority to carry out its functions effectively.
Gomar Gultom, the General Chair of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), also called on the President to reform the police. He suggested that the President evaluate and reorganize the leadership and policies of the National Police to prevent excessive actions that violate human and constitutional rights.
"So, in a way, the proposals formulated will be carried out by the President, especially related to the issue of reform in the field of police earlier," Gultom said.
Editor's Choice: KontraS Update: Three Protesters Still Missing After August Demonstrations
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Problems Remaining After the Looting of Sri Mulyani's Residence
46 menit lalu
The looting not only robbed Sri Mulyani of her rights but was also a threat to the economy. The people are still waiting for better policies.
Top 4 Tourist Destinations to Explore in Nepal
8 jam lalu
Located at the foot of the Himalayas, Nepal captivates tourists with its natural beauty and historical sites.
President Prabowo Urged to Form Investigation Team on August Unrest
8 jam lalu
Gerakan Nurani Bangsa urged President Prabowo to form an independent investigative team immediately to look into the protest unrest.
5 Major Protests in Indonesia from the 1998 Reformation to August 2025
10 jam lalu
A series of large protests occurred in Indonesia from the May 1998 tragedy until the DPR allowance protest in August 2025.
Today's Top 3 News: Bali's I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport Declares Force Majeure Amid Flooding
10 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Nepal Youth Propose Former Female Chief Justice as Interim PM
13 jam lalu
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki will represent Nepal's youth demonstrators in talks with the army on forming a new government.
Indonesian Govt Rejects Calls for Fact-Finding Team on August Protest Unrest
13 jam lalu
The government ensures that the police have arrested individuals suspected of being involved in the August protest unrest.
Indonesia to Distribute Smart TVs to 330,000 Schools by Year-End, Says Prabowo
14 jam lalu
President Prabowo stated that the provision of smart TVs is the government's effort to catch up with technology-based learning.
Macron Appoints Sebastian Lecornu as France's New Prime Minister
15 jam lalu
President Emmanuel Macron has appointed a new Prime Minister of France, Sebastien Lecornu, who is a close ally of Macron.
How an Animal Shelter Rescues Stray Cats Injured in the Jakarta Riots
16 jam lalu
The House of Stray Cats (RSKJ) in Bekasi evacuated dozens of cats from riot-hit areas in Jakarta after the founder received reports of injured animals
