A mass protest at the Jendral Sudirman intersection, Gondokusuman,\nwas forcibly dispersed following several instances of rioting. The\ndemonstrators were involved in clashes with a group of individuals\nclaiming to be local residents, necessitating the deployment of riot\npolice (Dalmas).<\/p>\n
The group, identifying themselves as the Civil Society Alliance, held\na protest on Tuesday (1\/9) evening. While the situation was initially\npeaceful, it descended into disorder after certain parties attempted to\nshut down the demonstration.<\/p>\n
After an initial period of calm around 7:40 PM WIB, the protesters\nreturned to the intersection and agreed to remain at the junction of\nJendral Sudirman. This agreement was reached following negotiations in\nthe middle of the intersection under police supervision, after which the\ncrowd continued with their orations.<\/p>\n
By 8:30 PM WIB, a group of people claiming to be Yogyakarta residents\napproached the crowd with the intention of dispersing the protest. A\ndialogue ensued between the two groups, but negotiations proved\ndifficult. The residents demanded the protesters leave, citing\ndisruptions to local activities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a major road, and the economy is suffering; small businesses\nand even rickshaw drivers cannot pass. They are also people!\u201d one\nresident told the protesters. A student participant responded, \u201cWe are\nalso people, sir!\u201d<\/p>\n
Negotiations grew increasingly tense, with frequent verbal insults\nexchanged. As residents continued to attempt to drive the protesters\naway, the demonstrators responded with songs. Police officers repeatedly\nintervened to mediate as the situation heated up.<\/p>\n
Following a lengthy discussion, both parties agreed to disperse at\napproximately 9:50 PM WIB, with the protesters moving north and the\nresidents moving south. The protest coordinator attempted to find a\nconsensus, stating, \u201cPlease consider the safety of our friends. If we go\nhome now, would you agree? There will be plenty of time for us to gather\nagain later. Let us all think about it; we will all go home,\nagreed?\u201d<\/p>\n
However, neither side was willing to retreat first. Violence erupted\nagain around 10:00 PM WIB when the group of residents attacked the\nstudent protesters, charging into the crowd. The chaos spread as far as\nthe front of the BRI Office. Medical personnel were seen running amidst\nthe commotion, accompanied by the wailing of ambulance sirens and\nshouting.<\/p>\n
Riot police were deployed to push both groups back towards the north\nand south. The situation gradually stabilised by 10:15 PM WIB. While\nboth groups had dispersed, police remained on standby at the\nlocation.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/protest-at-jendral-sudirman-intersection-dispersed-following-clashes-1788281728", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }