Full Breakdown
Indonesian Court Acquits Activists in Landmark Ruling
3/6/2026, 9:52:13 PM
Court Ruling and Acquittal Details
On March 6, 2026, a Central Jakarta court acquitted four activists—Delpedro Marhaen, Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein, and Khariq Anhar—who were accused of inciting violence during the August 2025 protests in Indonesia. These protests erupted following the police killing of a motorcycle taxi driver in Jakarta, leading to significant unrest that resulted in ten fatalities and nearly 7,000 arrests. The court found that the activists did not incite violence or spread misinformation through social media, which had been the basis for their charges. The ruling has been interpreted as a positive development for civil liberties in Indonesia, particularly in the context of increasing governmental crackdowns on dissent.
Background of the Protests
The August 2025 protests marked a critical moment in Indonesia's political landscape, occurring shortly after President Prabowo Subianto's election victory in 2024. The unrest was characterized as the worst since the 1998 student protests that led to the fall of former President Suharto. The protests were fueled by public outrage over police violence and broader issues of governance and civil rights.
Implications of the Acquittal
Human rights organizations have hailed the acquittal as a significant victory for justice and a hopeful sign for the future of civic engagement in Indonesia. Usman Hamid, Executive Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, emphasized that the ruling sends a clear message against the criminalization of peaceful protest. He called for the release of individuals still detained for opposing government policies, asserting that no one should face imprisonment for expressing their opinions.
Criticism of Law Enforcement
The court's decision also included criticism of the police's excessive use of force during the protests. Amnesty International has documented instances of violence against demonstrators, highlighting the need for accountability regarding law enforcement's actions. The prosecutors had initially sought a two-year sentence for the activists, alleging that their social media posts incited public disorder.
Official Statements & Responses
Rights groups, including the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence and the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation, have described the ruling as an "oasis in the rollback of Indonesia's democracy" and a small victory for civil liberties. They urged the government to take further steps to protect freedom of expression and ensure that human rights defenders are not targeted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the acquittal has been met with widespread approval from human rights advocates, there remains a significant number of individuals still detained following the protests. As of February 2026, reports indicate that 125 individuals remain in custody, raising concerns about the ongoing repression of dissent in Indonesia.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Responding to the acquittal of four activists - Delpedro Marhaen, Muzaffar Salim, Syahdan Husein and dan Khariq Anhar - accused by the authorities of inciting people to commit violent acts during the August 2025 protests, Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, said: “This brings new hope amid an increasingly shrinking civic space in Indonesia.” — Usman Hamid, Executive Director, Amnesty International Indonesia
- “The judges made it very clear in their verdict that the activists’ calls for people to join the protests had no causal link with the violence that erupted during the August protests in Jakarta.” — Usman Hamid, Executive Director, Amnesty International Indonesia
- “The acquittal should now trigger the release of those detained solely for opposing or criticising government policies during the protests. Critics must not be silenced. No one should be jailed for expressing an opinion. The relentless crackdown on demonstrations and freedom of expression in Indonesia must end. An independent investigation into the police crackdown during these protests is the only credible path to accountability.” — Usman Hamid, Executive Director, Amnesty International Indonesia
