CLAIMING TO BE TNI HQ OFFICERS, TURKISH TOURIST’S CAMERA BLOCKED FROM FILMING. DISGUSTING MAY DAY REPRESSION!

MEDAN, NETTI npo, Com

Hard Facts 

*Who?* Yonca, an innocent Turkish tourist on vacation. *What?* Aggressively interrogated, banned from filming May Day, forced to delete video. *When?* Friday (May 1), 12:00 WIB. *Where?* Merdeka Field Medan, center of AKBAR North Sumatra’s labor rally. *Why?* “National security,” said the mysterious men claiming to be officers. *How?* Yonca was swarmed, argued with defending crowds, but escaped thanks to worker solidarity. KontraS North Sumatra: “This is a gross human rights violation!”

This incident isn’t random—it’s the tip of the iceberg of New Order-style repression rising again in the digital era. Imagine: A foreign tourist, meant to be a source of state revenue, intimidated for holding a phone to record a peaceful protest. The unidentified men showed no badges, no assignment letter—just threats and force. “They said ‘delete it now or we’ll seize your phone!’ Yonca was shaking, almost crying,” said an eyewitness from AKBAR North Sumatra, Andi (not his real name).

Rotten Pattern of May Day Repression in North Sumatra 

KontraS data: Last year, 15 similar cases in Medan—labor rallies forcibly dispersed, journalists expelled. This year? Worse, now the victim is a foreign tourist. “Officers are allergic to cameras because they fear evidence of violence going viral on TikTok or X. This is an attempt to silence workers and outside witnesses!” said Rivai, KontraS North Sumatra activist. Yonca herself messaged a friend: “Indonesia is beautiful, but its officers are terrifying. I’m canceling my extended vacation.”

Impact on RI’s Image: Economic and Human Rights Devastation 

Medan, North Sumatra’s tourism gateway, loses big. Yonca isn’t the only one—international media like Anadolu Agency are already covering it widely. Imagine the headline: “Turkish Tourist Harassed by Indonesian ‘Cops’.” This threatens the 15 million foreign tourist target for 2026. Not to mention the ITE Law ready as a weapon: Article 28 could trap Yonca if her footage gets out.

Sharp Call: North Sumatra Police, Show the Faces of These Criminals in Uniform! 

The North Sumatra Police Chief must form a special team to investigate within 48 hours. Identify those men—if they’re real police, enforce disciplinary action; if impostors, charge them criminally. AKBAR workers and KontraS demand accountability. The public? Share the footage, tag @DivHumas_Polri. Don’t let cameras become enemies of the state!

This isn’t the end—it’s a warning. Freedom of information is guaranteed by Article 28E of the 1945 Constitution. If officers don’t like being recorded, step down from duty. Global solidarity for Yonca and workers: #FreeToRecord #StopRepresiMayDay!

_(Sources: KontraS North Sumatra interviews, AKBAR witnesses, citizen footage. This opinion column is based on field facts.)_