Across Indonesia, hundreds of people have been arrested, beaten, and charged simply for speaking out.
Eight activists – Delpedro Marhaen Rismansyah, Muzaffar Salim, Khariq Anhar, Syahdan Husein, Wawan Hermawan, Saiful Amin, Shelfin Bima Prakosa, and Muhammad “Paul” Fakhrurrozi – are currently facing up to 12 years in prison for taking part in peaceful protests or posting online in support of them.
The protests, which began in late August 2025, were sparked by economic hardship and growing public frustration over government policies. But instead of listening, authorities responded with violence – using tear gas, rubber bullets and mass arrests. At least 11 people have been killed, and more than 900 injured.
This is one of the most severe crackdowns on dissent in Indonesia in decades. Peaceful expression is not a crime.
Australia and Indonesia have a long-standing partnership and a shared commitment to democratic values. That relationship gives Australia influence, and a responsibility, to speak up when human rights are under threat.
We’re urging the Australian Government to:
- Publicly call for the immediate and unconditional release of the eight detained activists;
- Urge Indonesia to stop prosecuting people for peacefully expressing their opinions;
- Raise these concerns directly with Indonesian authorities and reaffirm Australia’s commitment to human rights in our region.
Australia must not stay silent while our neighbours are jailed for demanding justice.
