On May 1, 2025, during the May Day demonstrations in Jakarta, Cho Yong Gi, a philosophy student at the University of Indonesia (UI), was arrested by police while serving as a medical volunteer. Wearing medical attire and carrying first-aid equipment, Cho was assisting injured protesters near the House of Representatives building when he was detained.
According to Cho’s account, he and his medical team were responding to calls for help under the Senayan Park flyover when they encountered individuals with facial injuries. As they provided assistance, Cho was confronted by a group who accused him of participating in the protest violence. He was then physically assaulted, including being pushed, choked, and stomped on, before being taken into custody.
Despite his role as a medic, Cho was named among 14 suspects charged with disobeying police orders during the protest. The Jakarta Police cited violations of Articles 216 and 218 of the Criminal Code, which pertain to resisting or disobeying lawful orders from authorities.
The University of Indonesia’s Department of Philosophy expressed deep concern over the incident, stating:
“Arresting participants who were working in humanitarian roles, especially with the use of violence, raises serious concerns about civilian rights, including the protection of medical workers in peaceful demonstrations.”
UI’s Student Executive Body (BEM UI) reported that three of the 14 suspects are UI students and condemned the police’s actions as excessive and arbitrary. They described the protest as peaceful until the police began dispersing the crowd using water cannons and barricades, leading to chaos and panic among demonstrators.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Indonesia and the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta), have criticized the police’s handling of the protest and the subsequent arrests. They argue that the legal process against Cho and others risks being unjust and may punish individuals who were performing humanitarian duties.
As of now, Cho Yong Gi remains a suspect in the case, and the University of Indonesia has pledged full support during his legal proceedings.