On the Record -- Police Shooting Rates 'Too High' Before Asian Games

(ATR) Amnesty International Indonesia finds serious concerns about police behavior in Asian Games host provinces.

Papang Hidayat, Research Manager for Amnesty International Indonesia, sat down for an exclusive interview with Around the Rings in the NGO’s headquarters in central Jakarta.

The following interview has been edited for clarity and length. A response from the Asian Games organizing committee is included at the end. The Indonesian Police could not be reached for comment.

Around the Rings: Is there a single issue that is most worrisome for Amnesty International Indonesia related to the Asian Games?

Papang Hidayat: We documented a rise in on-the-spot police shootings of civilians. Because the police accountability system is so weak we couldn’t confirm if they were extrajudicial executions but we called for an independent investigation.

A few weeks ago we met with the independent ombudsman. They found similar concerns with us that the number of shootings-on-the-spot in the lead up to the Asian Games is too high compared to the normal period. So they summoned the local Jakarta police force and in particular they looked at 11 cases already mentioned by the police spokesperson in the media. When they summoned the police forces they were shocked because the police didn’t present them with anything like assignment letters for the police on duty or the identities of the victims. On the second meeting, the police managed to bring some documents.

But the main problem is that there is no independent body to determine if the unlawful shootings happened. It’s only the police that can do this criminal investigation against their own members.

ATR: Are there other cases of these types of shootings?

PH: That’s only the cases the police documented to the media. Out of 77 cases we documented in August, we found 31 cases of shootings on the spot happened in provinces related to the Asian Games.

ATR: Is there any evidence that the shootings are directly related to the Asian Games?

PH: No but in between there were statements from high-ranking officials in the national police that endorsed such tough measures. It’s a warning sign.

ATR: Have you met with INASGOC to voice your concerns?

PH: No, not yet. We have more of a reactive response to these numbers and we feel that issuing this statement was not so popular among the Indonesian people.

ATR: Do you think there was an excuse from the government to use the Games as an excuse to introduce strong-man tactics?

PH: Yes that’s the case. And we saw similar cases in Brazil before the World Cup and Olympics and South Africa before the World Cup for example. We drew certain conclusions that some countries that are hosting these high-level events, they use short-term measures against particular elements of the population.

ATR: Is that worrisome that you see this trend in different countries?

PH: It is.

ATR: Are there any laws or government actions specifically related to the Asian Games you are worried about?

PH: No. But we found the local governments have traffic adjustments. Based on our previous experience we’ve found there is the restriction to peaceful assembly. There was a plan from to conduct protests during the Asian Games from online ride-sharing drivers but the authorities were able to manage that to prevent protest. Every Thursday there is a vigil for the victims of the 1998 political riots in Jakarta. A few weeks ago the police advised them not to have the vigil during the Asian Games. But because they are known as a very peaceful protest they protest in front of the Presidential Palace.

ATR: Do you think the Games are worth it for Indonesia?

PH: We have to act like a host but I am not a fan of these Asian Games.

ATR: Did Indonesia deserve the rights to host the Games?

PH: At least Indonesia has shown in the region a stable democracy and respect for human rights.

ATR: Were the Games used as a distraction from other issues?

PH: Definitely. But on whole we cannot comment on that.

ATR: Are you planning on going to the Games?

PH: The ticketing is messy but I want to watch football or basketball. Why not? I’m a sports fan.

Danny Buldansyah, Director Media and PR for INASGOC, gave the following response to ATR: "The law enforcement for general security is the sole authority of the Indonesian police. The Indonesia Asian Games 2018 Organizing Committee (INASGOC) reserves the right to not comment further in this matter."

Reported by Edward Hula IIIin Jakarta

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