Jakarta. Chief Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said that the government would not interfere with peaceful protests, but it would take firm action against vandalism and looting.

Nationwide protests over inequality have rocked Indonesia since last week. The protests had escalated in intensity after a ride-hailing driver got run over by a police tactical vehicle. 

“President Prabowo Subianto has instructed the authorities to take firm action against anyone who breaks the law. People demonstrating and protesting will not be disturbed, as it is their right to express their opinions and aspirations," Yusril said in Jakarta on Thursday.

However, firm action awaits those who carry out arson, vandalism, looting, and incite crime, according to Yusril. The same goes for rule-breaking authorities.

"This commitment is important to ensure that justice is truly upheld," Yusril said.

The government will also make sure that anyone suspected of violations can exercise their human rights. 

"Anyone suspected must undergo examination according to legal procedure. They have the right to be accompanied by legal counsel, and be treated with the presumption of innocence," he said.

Indonesia has formed a monitoring team to make sure that law enforcement officers abide by human rights norms following police brutality concerns. Yusril added: “We will guarantee the rights of the people and students who demonstrate peacefully.”

Indonesia has been witnessing massive protests that have claimed at least 10 lives since they erupted on August 25. Some lawmakers, including Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, even had their house looted in the series of protests sparked by lavish financial perks for parliamentary members and eventually, police brutality. Earlier this week, Sri had apologized on social media, while also urging people to adopt a more legal approach instead to voice their dissatisfaction.

“If the public is dissatisfied and feel the law has violated their constitutional rights, they may propose a judicial review at the Constitutional Court,” Sri Mulyani said.

Indonesians may also take the case to the Supreme Court, according to the minister.

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