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Police reported to Ombudsman for allegedly attacking protesters
Workers display a poster demanding the government revoke the recently issued Government Regulation (PP) No
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span class="inline inline-center">Workers display a poster demanding the government revoke the recently issued Government Regulation (PP) No. 78 on minimum wage increases during a demonstration near the National Monument in Jakarta on Oct. 30, 2015. (thejakartapost.com/Wienda Parwitasari)
The Jakarta Police have been reported to the Jakarta Ombudsman for alleged maladministration after dozens of police officers reportedly attacked a number of people when dispersing participants of a labor rally on Oct. 30 last year.
"The police's actions were not in line with Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP). Their actions also violated the Convention against Torture, which has been ratified by Indonesia," Legal Aid Institute (LBH) lawyer Maruli Rajagukguk told thejakartapost.com on Thursday.
The report was made by LBH Jakarta, whose lawyers -- Tigor Gempita Hutapea and Obed Sakti Luitnan ' claimed to be among the victims of the alleged attack.
The two lawyers were present at the demonstration as legal consultants to the workers, not as participants. However, the police also arrested and named them suspects.
On Oct.30, thousands of workers gathered near the National Monument (Monas) park in Central Jakarta to demonstrate against the new payment formula stipulated in Government Regulation No. 78/2015 on remuneration.
The workers said the regulation was one-sided as union representatives had not been included in discussions on the regulation before it was endorsed.
LBH Jakarta claimed that demonstrators were beaten relentlessly by police officers even though they had dispersed.
"Twenty-five people were treated improperly by the police. Demonstrators who had dispersed were even chased by police officers. The police also damaged labor union cars," Maruli said, adding that even those apprehended had been beaten inside the police cars.
The 25 people, comprising 23 demonstrators and two lawyers, were arrested and named suspects for allegedly defying the government. (bbn)
