7 Facts: Police Process 322 Suspected Rioters After Demonstration at DPR
Police have detained hundreds of people in connection with the unrest that followed the conclusion of a demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR building on Friday (27/8). Some have already been named as suspects.
“Based on the data collected, 322 people were detained for questioning. By age group, 162 adults aged around 18 to 40 years are being handled by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s General Criminal Investigation Directorate, and 160 children aged 12 to 19 years are being handled by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police’s Directorate of PPA and PPO,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto at a press conference at his office in Jakarta on Friday (28/8/2026).
At the same location, Jakarta Metropolitan Police Director of General Criminal Investigation Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin detailed the hundreds of people who had been detained. Among those detained, some have already been named as suspects.
“At this time, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police have examined 315 people in connection with the riot that occurred on 27 August 2026 at one location in the area around the DPR RI building,” said Iman.
Summarised by detikcom, here are the known facts.
- 45 People Named as Suspects
Police said the hundreds of people detained are suspected of causing riots and vandalism after the demonstration in front of the DPR building ended on Thursday (27/8). A total of 45 people have been named as suspects in connection with criminal acts of damaging public facilities, assault, and carrying sharp weapons.
“From the results of the investigation, based on evidence and witnesses examined during the investigation process, we have now named 45 people as suspects,” he said.
- Six Clusters of Suspected Rioters
The Jakarta Metropolitan Police detained 322 suspected rioters following the demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR RI building yesterday. Police divided the hundreds of suspected rioters into six clusters.
Jakarta Metropolitan Police Director of Criminal Investigation Senior Commissioner Iman said the first cluster detained by police is the category of children or those under 18 years old.
“The second cluster is the ordinary rioter cluster. These were involved in one riot incident. Investigators have examined 91 adults who carried out riot actions in front of the DPR MPR RI building,” said Iman.
Iman said the third cluster is those suspected of damaging public facilities and committing assault. In this cluster, investigators named 45 people as suspects.
“From the results of the investigation, based on evidence and witnesses examined during the investigation process, we have now named 45 people as suspects,” he said.
The fourth cluster is those carrying sharp weapons. In this cluster, three people were carrying sharp weapons and are among the 45 suspects for damaging public facilities and assault.
“From the people who were detained, investigators arrested three people who carried sharp weapons used during the riot, and investigators have named those three people as suspects,” he added.
The fifth cluster is those who acted as mobilisers and financiers of the rioting masses. However, police are still investigating the parties suspected of being the mobilisers and financiers of the rioting masses.
The sixth cluster is the mass recruiter cluster. Iman said investigators have also found legal facts related to a cluster tasked with finding and recruiting masses to be used in the process or in the riot incident.
“The modus operandi carried out by the people we have named as suspects is damaging public facilities and committing assault against both people and property, committing violence against people or property in public, acting in groups and causing chaos, and misusing sharp weapons,” he said.
- Police Investigate Alleged Child Exploitation
Hundreds of minors were detained in connection with the unrest after the demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR building in Senayan, Jakarta, yesterday. Investigators are looking into allegations of child exploitation in the incident.
“Investigators are currently also investigating parties who use, utilise, or exploit children to carry out unlawful activities,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Director of General Criminal Investigation Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (28/8/2026).
This is said to potentially violate regulations related to child protection.
“Because this could potentially violate the norms stipulated in the Child Protection Law regarding the involvement and exploitation of children,” he explained.
- Police Reveal Obstacles in Handling Post-Demonstration Riots
Police revealed the obstacles in securing the riots after the demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR RI building on 27 August yesterday. Consideration for public safety was a key factor in the security operation.
“As was asked earlier, the riot continued until dawn, until the early hours, so what were the obstacles,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto.
“In managing public order and security, we certainly consider many things, and we prioritise public safety, the safety of lives and property, and respect for human rights,” he added.
He said his party prioritised humane appeals, even towards the rioters. Legal action was also carried out while upholding human rights.
“We prioritise appeals and humanism towards anyone, including rioters. And firm legal action is of course still carried out while observing and upholding human rights,” he said.
- 141 Detained Children Have Been Sent Home
A total of 152 minors were initially detained in connection with the riots after the demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR RI building yesterday. Of these, 141 children have been sent home.
“Of the 152, we sent home 141 people,” said Jakarta Metropolitan Police Director of PPA/PPO Senior Commissioner Rita Wulandari Wibowo.