August 20, 2025 | 10:31 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A journalist from CNN Indonesia, Zulkifli Natsir, was a victim of violence from authorities while covering a protest against a property tax hike in Bone Regency, South Sulawesi. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The event unfolded around 8:30 p.m. local time on the grounds of the Bone Regency Government Office, which was the site of the demonstration. As a crowd pushed through the gates of the regent's office, a combined force of the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) responded with tear gas and water cannons.
Zulkifli, who was covering the protest, was hit by tear gas, causing a burning sensation and dizziness. He sought refuge in a restroom to wash his face. "When my head stopped spinning and my vision cleared, I continued walking and entered the office lobby," the CNN Indonesia journalist stated in a text message on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
Violence and Intimidation
Inside the lobby, Zulkifli saw a wounded soldier. "He said he was hit by a rock," Zulkifli recalled. He then used his mobile phone to take a picture of the soldier. In the same location, he witnessed authorities restraining captured demonstrators and attempted to record the incident.
The violence against Zulkifli occurred as he tried to record the scene. He described being approached by "about 5-6 soldiers in camouflage" who "grabbed me, some also pushed me."
He stated that he was then choked and dragged. "My phone was confiscated and all of the coverage material was forcibly deleted by soldiers in camouflage uniforms."
The soldiers returned Zulkifli's phone only after deleting his footage. He was also forced to delete any remaining videos from his phone's trash gallery while being watched by several soldiers.
Zulkifli later stated that he had not experienced any further intimidation and was grateful he had not suffered significant physical injuries, although he still felt psychologically pressured.
Conflicting Accounts and Protest Outcome
In a separate statement, Commander of Kodim 1407/Bone, Lieutenant Colonel La Ode Muhammad Idrus, denied any violence from soldiers during the protest. The Kodim requested that Zulkifli report the incident so it could be investigated by the TNI.
The protest was initiated by residents of Bone Regency to protest a 300 percent increase in the property tax (PBB-P2), a claim that the Bone Regency Government denied, stating the increase was only 65 percent. Bone Regent Asman Sulaiman ultimately canceled the policy after the demonstration on August 19, 2025. During the protest, the crowd had successfully pushed into the regent's office grounds.
The demonstration, which began on Tuesday morning, had initially proceeded without incident. The protesters demanded a direct dialogue with Regent Asman Sulaiman. However, when he failed to meet with them by noon, the government sent the Head of the Regional Revenue Agency instead.
Dissatisfied and frustrated by the regent's absence, the crowd attempted to enter the office, which led to a physical confrontation with the police, the Regional Police unit, and TNI soldiers.
Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Tax Hike Debacle: Bone Regent Suspends PBB-P2 Plan After Resident Protest
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
No Tax Rate Hikes Despite Ambitious 2026 Revenue Target, Says Finance Ministry
4 jam lalu
The 2026 State Budget Draft (RAPBN 2026) aims for a tax revenue of Rp2,357.7 trillion, a 13.5 percent increase from the projected 2025 revenue.
Indonesia's Tax Hike Debacle: Bone Regent Suspends PBB-P2 Plan After Resident Protest
6 jam lalu
The decision to delay the tax hike in Bone Regency was made following a tumultuous protest.
List of Indonesian Regions Holding Protests Against PBB-P2 Hike
7 jam lalu
Several regions in Indonesia have staged demonstrations protesting the hike in the Rural and Urban Land and Building Tax (PBB-P2).
Home Affairs Ministry: 20 Among 104 Regions Enforce Tax Hike over 100%
11 jam lalu
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a circular containing an appeal to all local governments to reevaluate their tax hike policies.
Nigeria: Gunmen Kill Worshippers in Katsina Mosque Attack
12 jam lalu
Armed men have stormed a mosque in Nigeria's Katsina state during morning prayers, killing at least a dozen people.
Prabowo Summons Home Affairs Minister Amid Regional Tax Hike Fiasco
1 hari lalu
Prabowo asked the minister to prepare several materials on the economic situation in several regions.
Pati Regent Protest: Minister Urges August 25th Protest to Be Non-Anarchic
1 hari lalu
Tito Karnavian warns the community in Pati, Central Java, to avoid behaving violently if they plan to hold another demonstration. He emphasizes that expressing opinions is not prohibited.
Pati Residents Planning to Hold Another Protest for Regent Sudewo's Impeachment
1 hari lalu
Residents of Pati will protest to urge the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) to immediately process the impeachment of Regent Sudewo. They will also demonstrate at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Indonesian Top Court's Dismissal of VAT Hike Lawsuit Feared to Uphold Tax Injustice
4 hari lalu
The Constitutional Court has rejected the petition for a constitutional review of Law Number 7 of 2021 concerning HPP Law that regulates VAT hike.
Why Gaza Has Become a Dangerous Zone for Journalists: 5 Things to Know
5 hari lalu
Gaza has become the deadliest place for journalists worldwide since October 2023, with nearly 270 media personnel killed, The New Arab reports.
