Primenewspost.com – The Secretary-General of the Executive Board of the Alumni Association of the Archipelago’s Student Executive Boards (PB IKA BEM Nusantara), Eko Saputra, has strongly condemned the alleged repressive actions taken by security forces against the community in the Tiro area, Pidie Regency, Aceh.
Eko asserts that any alleged act of violence, intimidation, or abuse of authority by state officials is a serious matter that must be addressed objectively, transparently, and in accordance with the law. Security forces are mandated to maintain order and ensure public safety; they should not use their authority to instill fear.
“We strongly condemn all forms of repressive action against the public. State uniforms and authority must not be used as instruments of intimidation. Security personnel are meant to be protectors and guardians of the people, not parties who act arbitrarily toward the community,” emphasized Eko Saputra.
According to Eko, the enforcement of security must not come at the expense of democratic principles, the rule of law, or human rights. Every action taken by security forces must have a legal basis, follow established procedures, and be subject to both institutional and legal accountability.
He further reminded that the public’s freedom to express opinions and aspirations is a constitutional right that must be respected. Therefore, a persuasive, dialogical, and humanistic approach should be the priority when addressing issues within the community.
PB IKA BEM NUSANTARA URGES A TRANSPARENT INVESTIGATION
In response to the alleged incident in Tiro, Pidie Regency, PB IKA BEM Nusantara has issued five demands:
1. The Aceh Regional Police Chief (Kapolda Aceh) must immediately conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the personnel suspected of involvement in these repressive actions.
2. A transparent investigation must be carried out regarding all allegations of violence, intimidation, and procedural violations in the handling of the community.
3. Protection must be provided to the community, and the rights of any victims must be restored should violations be confirmed. 4. Strict enforcement of discipline and the law against any official proven to have committed acts of violence or abused their authority, without exception.
5. A comprehensive evaluation of security procedures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in Aceh or any other region in Indonesia.
Eko emphasized that this issue cannot simply end with a clarification. The public requires a credible investigative process, transparency, and the assurance that every alleged violation is addressed in accordance with the law.
“Aceh has a long history of struggle, conflict, and human suffering. We must not allow practices of intimidation and violence to once again instill fear within the community. The state must learn from history and ensure that the protection of its people remains a priority,” he stated.
Furthermore, Eko declared that the Central Board of the IKA BEM Nusantara (Alumni Association of the Archipelago’s Student Executive Boards) will continue to monitor this matter as part of the organization’s moral responsibility to uphold democracy, advocate for justice, and ensure that the rights of the public are respected.
He stressed that criticizing the actions of state officials does not constitute resistance against the state; rather, it is a form of public oversight to ensure that power is exercised in accordance with the constitution and the law.
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“The state must not succumb to injustice. Conversely, the state must not use its power to suppress its own people. The law must be applied fairly to everyone—including officials suspected of committing violations. We cannot have a legal system that is stern toward the public yet weak when faced with the abuse of authority,” concluded Eko Saputra.
The people are not the enemy of the state. The people are the holders of sovereignty, and the state has an obligation to protect every single citizen, without exception.
EKO SAPUTRA
Secretary-General
Central Board of the Alumni Association of the Archipelago’s Student Executive Boards (PB IKA BEM Nusantara)
