A student protest in front of the North Sumatra Provincial Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) building on Jalan Imam Bonjol in Medan ended in chaos. This occurred after clashes broke out between the crowd and police officers stationed at the location.
Tensions peaked when officers arrested several students accused of being the masterminds behind stone-throwing towards police lines.
At least two students were arrested during the turmoil. Officers were seen forcibly dragging them away from the crowd.
The situation escalated further when other students attempted to block the officers’ actions but were outnumbered by the surrounding police.
During the arrest process, there were allegations of repressive actions by the officers. Police were reported to have beaten and kicked students.
One student was seen receiving a hard kick to the head. The incident caused that student to convulse among the crowd before finally being taken by officers into the North Sumatra DPRD building for security.
A student with the initial T revealed that he was arrested and abused by police officers stationed at the protest site.
« There were seven police officers, and I didn’t resist at all. But from the beginning when I stood here, two people were following me from the start. And when the water cannon exploded, I wasn’t being anarchic, » said T.
T stated that he was coordinating to ensure protest participants did not engage in anarchic actions. Then, preventing throwing incidents. Because we don’t want that. But what happened when one intelligence officer fell, I saw.
« I saw and I didn’t want to do anything. But I was pulled by one person. And when I was pulled by one person, five more joined. They beat me using hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Is this how it’s supposed to be? They said they would protect us earlier. So inside, after being pulled inside, was I beaten again? I ran. I wasn’t taken inside, » he said.
He mentioned that several of his friends were taken inside the North Sumatra DPRD building. T condemned the police violence against students, which immediately triggered anger among other protest participants.
« But one of our friends who was part of our group was taken inside. How many people were pulled inside? Earlier in the video, there was one person. Because I was also being beaten, I couldn’t see left and right. My eyes were hit, everything. And I believe police repression is real. The violence they commit is real, » he explained.
Police violence against students immediately triggered anger among other protest participants. The crowd condemned police actions deemed excessive and inhumane.
« We came to convey our aspirations, not to be beaten! » shouted a student from atop the command vehicle.
The situation around the North Sumatra DPRD building became tense. The crowd remained despite police tightening security at the entrance gate.
Smoke from burning used tires added to the heated atmosphere. Further clashes were feared to break out again as students continued to demand the release of their arrested colleagues.
There has been no official statement from police regarding the reasons for arrests and allegations of violence by officers against students.
Meanwhile, from the North Sumatra DPRD itself, no council members appeared to meet with the protesters or provide any statement.
During their action, students had previously presented the People’s Dozen Demands containing 12 main points, including the abolition of luxurious legislative allowances, the ratification of the Asset Seizure Bill, and the investigation of corruption cases in North Sumatra. However, these aspirations ended in chaos due to clashes with security forces.
Hundreds of students continued to surround the North Sumatra DPRD building area until evening. They affirmed they would remain until there is an official response from their representatives whom they accuse of turning a blind eye to people’s suffering.
Previously in their statement of position, the crowd read the 12 People’s Demands:
- Abolish luxurious legislative allowances deemed to only pamper political elites’ lifestyles.
- Legislative salaries must be proportional to regional minimum wages so people’s representatives directly experience workers’ lives.
- Urge ratification of the Asset Seizure Bill and Anti-Corruption Bill.
- Transparency of audit results from the Supreme Audit Agency and Corruption Eradication Commission to prevent them from circulating only among
North Sumatra Regional Legislative Council (DPRD)
The North Sumatra Regional Legislative Council (DPRD Sumut) is the provincial-level people’s representative assembly responsible for legislating and overseeing the governance of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It was established following Indonesian independence to implement regional autonomy, with its modern structure being shaped by post-Reformasi decentralization laws starting in 1999. The council’s primary functions include creating regional regulations, budgeting, and conducting oversight of the local executive government.Jalan Imam Bonjol
Jalan Imam Bonjol is a major thoroughfare in Jakarta, Indonesia, named after the national hero Imam Bonjol, who led a resistance against Dutch colonial forces in the 19th century. The road is historically significant as it runs through the city’s central administrative district, passing by important landmarks like the National Monument (Monas).Medan
Medan is the capital and largest city of North Sumatra, Indonesia, historically established as a plantation hub by the Dutch East Indies in the 19th century. It is known for its diverse cultural heritage, with significant Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences, and features architectural landmarks like the Maimun Palace from its colonial era.North Sumatra Provincial Regional Legislative Council
The North Sumatra Provincial Regional Legislative Council is the local legislative body of North Sumatra, Indonesia, established to represent the people and exercise governmental oversight at the provincial level. Its history is tied to the nation’s decentralization reforms following the fall of the New Order regime, which granted greater political autonomy to regional governments across the country.North Sumatra DPRD building
The North Sumatra DPRD building is the seat of the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) for the province of North Sumatra, located in its capital, Medan. It serves as the center for local legislative and governmental activities, where elected representatives debate and create regional laws and policies.Supreme Audit Agency
The Supreme Audit Agency (Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan or BPK) is Indonesia’s supreme audit institution, established in 1946 to oversee the management of state finances. It is an independent body that audits the government’s financial accounts and reports its findings to the national parliament, playing a crucial role in ensuring public accountability and good governance.Corruption Eradication Commission
The Corruption Eradication Commission (Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi, or KPK) is an independent Indonesian government institution established in 2002 to combat corruption in the country. It was formed in the wake of the Reformasi era as a key part of Indonesia’s anti-corruption efforts, with a mandate to investigate and prosecute serious corruption cases.
