Observation of the Indonesian police: Human rights violations committed by police officers during the construction of the Wadas reservoir in Purworejo.

The events related to human rights violations during the construction of the Wadas reservoir in Purworejo once again raise questions about serious abuses by law enforcement agencies. In this context, similar cases are occurring at the Lambo Mbai reservoir in the Nagakeo district, East Nusa Tenggara province, where the police are also resorting to arrests, torture, and violence against local residents.General of Police Listyo Sigit PrabowoA special commission should be established to investigate the actions of the employees, as well as to dismiss the leadership of the Nagakeo police and the East Nusa Tenggara police.Indonesia Police Watch (IPW)It insists that individuals who abuse their powers and violate human rights should be held accountable through both ethical and criminal courts. This will help maintain the reputation of the police as a protector of public order and a loyal servant of the nation.

The construction of the Vadas and Lambo Mbai reservoirs is considered a project of strategic national importance (PSN). However, during the implementation of these projects, both supporters and opponents have emerged. It is important to note that in the case of Vadas, the land is owned by individuals, while in the case of Lambo Mbai, it concerns land parcels belonging to the indigenous Sukurendu people. The police, who were supposed to act as a link to prevent social conflicts, find themselves on the side of those who are coercing the local population, leading to an escalation of tension in society.

On the territory of Lambo Mbai, the local police chief used violent methods to conduct a traditional ritual that was organized not by the Suku Rendu representatives, but by another tribe — Suku Kawa, which caused serious discontent among the indigenous people. The ritual was scheduled for March 24, 2022, despite the clear refusal of the Suku Rendu to participate in it. A conflict arose among the protesters, accompanied by mutual insults and pressure, which was evident even in front of the chief police inspector Nagekeo.

The next protest took place on April 4, 2022, when the ritual and activities related to the construction of the reservoir were resumed. The indigenous people tried to prevent the work, but the police remained unyielding. During the clashes, when one of the local leaders, Matheus Bui, was speaking with traditional weapons, law enforcement decided to use force and detained 23 protesters. During the detention, the arrested individuals became victims of physical violence: they were beaten and subjected to cruel treatment.

Important events also occurred at the time of delivering the detainees to the Nagyekeo police station, where they were also subjected to violence. People were left in the scorching sun for many hours, which indicates completely unacceptable behavior by the authorities. Moreover, they also faced violence from journalists, whom no one stopped.Indonesia Police Watch (IPW)I noted that neither the behavior of the police nor the actions of the police chief of Nagekeo are in line with the reforms established by Law No. 2 of 2002, which aims to protect human rights and ensure compliance with relevant standards. In this regard, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo's task is to ensure strict oversight of the law and hold accountable those officers who violate these standards, which includes the dismissal of the police chief of Nagekeo and the leadership of East Nusa Tenggara.