Randi Was Shot by Live Bullet

KOMPAS/SAIFUL RIJAL YUNUS

A students rally in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, Thursday (26/9/2019) ends in a clash with police officers, resulting in two deaths. A number of parties condemned the repressive actions of the authorities that led to the loss of lives.

KENDARI, KOMPAS — Randi, a student from Halu Oleo University in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, was killed after a live bullet hit his chest. Meanwhile, Yusuf Kardawi, another Halu Oleo University student, died from head injuries due to beatings.

In the midst of concerns over the death of students, members of the Jakarta Police arrested musician Ananda Badudu early on Friday (27/9/2019) from his house. About six hours earlier, police also picked up journalist Dandhy Laksono from his home.

Dandhy has been sent home with the status of a hate speech suspect, while Ananda has returned home with a witness status. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Friday reiterated that there should be no repressive measures.

The president also expressed his condolences over the deaths of Randi and Yusuf, two of students who rallied at the Southeast Sulawesi Legislative Council (DPRD) to demand the cancelation of a number of controversial bills on Thursday.

"Hopefully what was fought for by Randi and Yusuf will be the good of this nation and both will get a glorious place on His side," the president said.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS WISNU WARDHANA DANY

Ananda Badudu walks downstairs after being questioned at the Directorate of General Criminal Detectives of the Jakarta Police on Friday (27/9/2019). Ananda was questioned about reportedly helping to raising funds to support student actions to reject controversial laws.

The president requested a thorough investigation into the case. Regarding this matter, the South Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. (Pol) Iriyanto promised to investigate the case thoroughly. "Yes, it\'s true Randi was shot by a live bullet. We are still investigating the incident," he said.

"If the culprit is our member, there will be a legal process, please monitor it. I will investigate and proceed with a civil investigation process. Whoever the culprit will be processed," said Iriyanto.

According to Iriyanto, the police were not equipped with either live bullets or rubber bullets in guarding the demonstrations in the Southeast Sulawesi provincial legislative council. Randi died on Thursday afternoon while Yusuf died early Friday morning.

Putri, 23, a woman who was six months pregnant, was also hit by a bullet in her right calf. The chief of public relations of the South Sulawesi Police, Comr. Harry Goldenhart said, Putri was sleeping at her house on Jl. Supu Yusuf, Mandonga, Kendari, which is about 2 kilometers from the demonstration site.

KOMPAS/FRANSISKUS WISNU WARDHANA DANY

Jakarta Police Public Relations Head Comr. Argo Yuwono speaks to journalists at the Jakarta Police headquarters, Friday (27/9/2019). Argo explained the case of Dandhy Dwi Laksono and Ananda Badudu.

Hate speech

The head of the public relations of the Metro Jaya Police, Chief Comr. Argo Yuwono, explained the investigation of Dandhy was carried out in connection with his tweets about Papua. Two of Dandhy\'s tweets were uploaded on Monday (23/9), describing the conditions regarding Jayapura and Wamena.

According to Argo, the tweets might contain hate speech related to ethnicity, religion and race. However, Argo was not willing to explain the hate speech remarks and those related to hatred speech in the tweets.

Regarding Ananda, according to Argo, one of the students, initialed N, mentioned that there was a transfer of Rp 10 million (about US$715) from Ananda. N is a suspect in a police attack during the demonstration against controversial bills.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

President Joko Widodo (center) addresses journalists on Thursday (26/9/2019) following a meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, standing amid a group of professionals who attended the meeting. In particular, he responded to questions regarding the possibility of issuing a government regulation in lieu of law to annul the newly passed KPK Law.

Ananda raised funds or collected funds through the “Kita Bisa” (We Can) platform on Sunday (22/9). He also explained on Tuesday that of the total Rp 175.6 million collected from the platform, Rp 80.1 million had been used.

Ananda did not say much after being interrogated. "I am one of the lucky ones to be released immediately. But inside (during the interrogation), I saw a lot of students who were processed without legal advisors," he said.

A lecturer at the Driyarkara School of Philosophy, Franz Magnis-Suseno, said that the detention of Dandhy and Ananda was a setback for democracy in Indonesia. “Freedom of expression and association should be protected by law. This is clearly a setback in a democratic country,” he said.

Franz Magnis-Suseno warned that the state should not use repression by using the police to arrest critics.

KOMPAS/MEGANDIKA WICAKSONO

Muhumadiyah Student Association of Banyumas regency branch holds a solidarity action by taking to the streets over the death of Randi from Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi. Students demanded that the case be thoroughly investigated and that the perpetrators of the shooting be severely punished. The action was held peacefully in Purwokerto, Banyumas, Central Java, Friday (27/9/2019).

The commissioner of Komnas HAM, Beka Hapsara, also said the detention of Dandhy and Ananda could set a bad precedent for democracy and human rights. "Democracy should provide room for dissent. Komnas HAM ensured that our friends received a good treatment and access to legal assistance, he said. (INA/JAL/VIO/NSA/DIT/HRS/BKY/DIV/DAN/REK)