A Fact-Finding Commission has reported indications of possible involvement by members of the Indonesian military in riots that occurred during a demonstration in August 2025. The findings were released on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, by Muhammad Isnur, director of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI).
Allegations of Military Involvement
According to the commission’s report, there are indications of involvement at four levels. First, the commission identified alleged incitement by TNI personnel during the demonstration, potentially involving members of the Strategic Intelligence Agency (BAIS) and other military staff encouraging demonstrators. This alleged incitement may have contributed to clashes between security forces and protesters.
Second, the commission found indications of alleged facilitation or assistance, noting that BAIS and TNI personnel allegedly did not take sufficient preventive measures as violence escalated, despite having intelligence information regarding potential threats to public order.
The third level identified by the commission concerns possible negligence, with the absence of TNI personnel in areas prone to violence despite requests for assistance. The fourth level relates to potential breakdowns in command accountability, though the commission found that TNI headquarters and regional commands maintained control over troop deployments.
Evidence and Further Investigation
The commission’s findings are supported by witness testimonies and visual recordings, reportedly showing direct interaction between uniformed personnel and demonstrators. However, Isnur stated that further investigation is needed to clarify intent, assignment context, and relevant command chains. The commission did not find sufficient evidence to conclude institutional involvement through formal operations or deliberate illegal orders.
Tempo contacted TNI spokesperson Brigadier General Aulia Dwi Nasrullah for comment, but had not received a response as of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Fact-Finding Commission investigate?
The commission investigated the events surrounding riots that broke out during a demonstration in August 2025, specifically looking into the potential involvement of members of the Indonesian military.
What levels of involvement were identified?
The commission identified four levels: alleged incitement, alleged facilitation or assistance, negligence, and possible breakdowns in command accountability.
Did the commission find conclusive evidence of institutional involvement?
No, the commission stated, “We do not have strong, direct, and irrefutable evidence demonstrating causality between TNI involvement at the institutional and personnel levels.”
As investigations continue, what role might further judicial review play in clarifying the events of August 2025?