September 19, 2025 | 11:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tempo English compiled the top 3 news on Friday, September 19, 2025. Here are the highlights: Human Rights Ministry Says Enforced Disappearance in August Protests is Hasty Conclusion; Gen Z Protests in Asia: Can They Spark Real Change?; and Human Rights Ministry Cites Freedom of Expression over Activist Hunger Strike.
The following is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today:
1. Human Rights Ministry Says Enforced Disappearance in August Protests is Hasty Conclusion
The Indonesian government urges the public not to conclude that there have been cases of enforced disappearance during the late August protests. This comes in response to the failure to locate two individuals, Reno Syachputra Dewo and Muhammad Farhan Hamid, after the protests in Jakarta.
The Director General of Human Rights Services and Compliance at the Ministry of Human Rights, Munafrizal Manan, said two other individuals previously reported missing, Eko Purnomo and Bima Permana Putra, had actually opted to leave in search of work.
"We cannot hastily declare or conclude this as an enforced disappearance," said Munafrizal to reporters at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police headquarters on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
2. Gen Z Protests in Asia: Can They Spark Real Change?
From stormed palaces to fleeing heads of state, a number of Asian countries are witnessing political transformations led by a generation born into the digital age.
This digitally savvy Gen Z, a term referring to people born roughly between 1997 and 2012, has emerged as a formidable force, challenging authoritarianism, corruption and economic inequality with street-level activism.
In Nepal, youth protests against a social media ban and corruption toppled Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli's government last week.
Indonesia witnessed large-scale protests recently, triggered by lavish perks for lawmakers, among other grievances. President Prabowo Subianto's administration barely managed to hold on, scrambling to meet youth demands by firing ministers and rolling back the perks.
3. Human Rights Ministry Cites Freedom of Expression over Activist Hunger Strike
The Indonesian Ministry of Human Rights regards the hunger strike carried out by Gejayan Memanggil (Gejayan Calling) activist Syahdan Husein as part of his freedom of expression. The activist has been on a hunger strike since September 11, to protest his detention over alleged incitement during late August protests.
"As long as it is done peacefully, we respect it. It is a form of freedom of expression," said the Director General of Services and Compliance at the ministry, Munafrizal, at the Jakarta Metro Police, Thursday, August 18, 2025.
Syahdan Husein's sister, Sizigia Pikhansa, mentioned that her brother has refused to eat in detention since September 11. "So, today marks a week since then," she said when met at the Jakarta Metro Police Headquarters, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
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Sixteen Activists Join Syahdan Husein in Hunger Strike at Jakarta Police Detention Center
6 jam lalu
Sixteen activists held at the Jakarta Metropolitan Police have launched a hunger strike to protest their detention over August 2025 demonstrations.
Protest Demanding Pati Regent's Impeachment Today; Police Secure Party Offices
9 jam lalu
The protest demanding the impeachment of the previous Pati Regent was held last month.
Human Rights Ministry Cites Freedom of Expression over Activist Hunger Strike
10 jam lalu
Activist from Gejayan Memanggil movement, Syahdan Husein, goes on hunger strike in detention. The action will continue until all political detainees are released.
DEN Links August Protests to Indonesia's 10-Year Economic Legacy
12 jam lalu
Deputy Chief of DEN says the mass protests in August 2025 were the consequences of Indonesia's economic legacy over the past decade.
Human Rights Ministry Says Enforced Disappearance in August Protests is Hasty Conclusion
15 jam lalu
Two out of the four reported missing persons intentionally fled, according to KontraS.
Gen Z Protests in Asia: Can They Spark Real Change?
23 jam lalu
Young people are angry and protesting in a number of Asian countries demanding change, economic opportunities and an end to corruption.
Two "Missing" Jakarta Protesters Found to Have Voluntarily Left Home, Police Say
1 hari lalu
The Jakarta Metro Police have confirmed that two individuals who were reported missing amid recent protests have been found.
Today's Top 3 News: Prabowo Opts Against Special Team to Investigate August Riots, Says Minister Yusril
1 hari lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
Indonesian Activist on Week-Long Hunger Strike Demanding Protesters' Release
1 hari lalu
Activist Syahdan Husein has been on a week-long hunger strike at Jakarta Police detention, demanding the release of fellow activists.
Indonesia's Social Housing Offers Gen Z an Affordable Urban Living Solution
1 hari lalu
Housing Task Force Chair Hashim believes the program will be popular among Gen Z due to its strategic residential location near mass transportation.
