Mixed Feelings

Democracy in Indonesia has improved according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, as the country’s score on the Democracy Index rose to 6.71 this year from 6.30 in 2021.

On Tuesday (15/2/2022), Kompas published a headline on Indonesia’s improved democracy score, which has brought about relief, since the country’s score had been declining since 2015. But despite these improvements, Indonesian democracy remains flawed.

Also read:

> Democracy Index Up, but Big Challenges Remain

> Keeping an Eye on the Democracy Index

Reading other articles in the issue, quite frankly, has evoked mixed feelings. On one hand, we are grateful that the democratic climate is improving, but on the other, an activist named Erfaldi was shot in Parigi Moutong regency, Central Sulawesi, on Saturday (12/2/2022). Erfaldi, who was protesting against a gold mine in Parigo Moutung, was killed as the police dispersed the protest.

National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) chairman Dedy Askhari confirmed that Erfaldi was killed by live ammunition. The projectile entered from behind in the left back area and penetrated the victim’s chest. The Central Sulawesi police public relations officer said that the institution would investigate who the perpetrator was. (Kompas, 15/2/2022).

KOMPAS/VIDELIS JEMALI

Protesters from the United People's Alliance hold a peaceful demonstration in front of the Central Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters in Palu, Monday (14/2/2022). They demanded a thorough investigation into the shooting death of Erfaldi (21) a participant in the demonstration against gold mining in the action in Siney Village, South Tinombo District, Parigi Moutong Regency, Saturday (12/2/2022)..

The protest against mining in Parigi Moutong was reportedly carried out by blocking the Trans Sulawesi Road on Sunday (13/2/2022) from 12 p.m. to midnight. The protests were then dispersed by the police. We are concerned about the protesters who became victims.

The right to protest is protected by the constitution. Expressing one’s opinions, such as rejecting mining activities or accepting them, is a human right. Protests done by blocking roads, which are deemed by the police as disturbances to public order, do not have to be dispersed in a dangerous way. If live ammunition really was used, then an investigation is certainly needed to determine whether it was justified and in accordance with procedure. A discovery of police violence would not align with the aspirations of National Police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, who wants the police to be viewed as more humane.

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We encourage the police to immediately disclose the case and identify the perpetrators. The perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions. The police need to take swift measures to prevent this issue from spreading. The use of violence cannot be justified if the threat is only protesting civilians voicing their opinions.

Mining is becoming a recurring issue and has always divided the public. However, we hope that these issues can be resolve through dialogue. Both those who are for and against should have their opinions heard, as well as those who are burdened, and the issue should not be resolved by means of violence, which can lead to casualties. That serves as a betrayal of democracy.

Strict action needs to be taken against anyone proven to have used live ammunition. In additional to criminal sanctions, the police must express their sympathy to the victim’s family.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.