1,249 Police Officers Deployed to Secure Student Protest at Grahadi Building, Surabaya
A combined force of 1,249 police officers has been deployed to secure a student demonstration at the Gedung Negara Grahadi on Jalan Gubernur Suryo, Surabaya, on Wednesday (17/6).
Kasi Humas Polrestabes Surabaya AKP Hadi detailed that the security personnel are drawn from Surabaya City Police, East Java Regional Police, and other agencies. “A total of 1,249 security personnel, comprising 399 from Surabaya City Police, 830 from East Java Regional Police, and 20 from other agencies,” Hadi stated.
These other agencies include fire and health services. Three fire engines and one ambulance from the Surabaya Health Office have been placed on standby around the location. All personnel have been assigned to strategic points and tightened around vital areas of the Grahadi Building to ensure the protest proceeds peacefully.
Traffic management is also a key focus. Head of Traffic Unit for Surabaya City Police, AKBP Bayu Galih Raditya, said traffic officers will be stationed at several central points in the city, including Jalan Darmo, Jalan Basuki Rahmat, and Jalan Gubernur Suryo. “We have prepared personnel to secure traffic around Jalan Darmo, Jalan Basra [Basuki Rahmat], and Grahadi,” he explained.
He noted that 75 traffic officers have been specifically tasked with managing traffic flow during the demonstration. However, he was not aware of the total number of officers involved in the overall security operation. “Only the traffic unit has been assigned 75 personnel, stationed in the central city area,” he said.
Bayu emphasised that there are currently no instructions to block roads due to the student protest. Any decision to divert or engineer traffic will depend on the situation on the ground. “Regarding traffic diversion and engineering, it is situational; we will assess the situation,” he stated.
Observations at the scene showed the area around the Grahadi State Building packed with thousands of students. Barbed wire has been installed at several points, while police tactical vehicles, ambulances, and fire engines are parked within the building compound. As a result of the protest, traffic diversions have been implemented around the Grahadi Building. Jalan Gubernur Suryo has been completely closed by authorities. Motorists from Jalan Basuki Rahmat heading towards Grahadi-Surabaya City Hall are being directed straight to Jalan Embong Malang, while those from Jalan Tunjungan towards Grahadi are being diverted sharply right onto the same road. Meanwhile, motorists from Jalan Ondomohen-Wali Kota Mustajab are being directed straight towards Jalan Genteng.