Coordinating Minister confirms fences installed at several malls have been dismantled
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has confirmed that regional heads have asked several shopping centre managers to dismantle fences that had previously been installed at a number of malls.
The fences were removed for several reasons, one of which was that they violated certain permits.
“I do not want to mention which malls, but the local governments have carried out the enforcement,” Djamari said during a press conference at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs building in Jakarta on Wednesday.
However, Djamari did not explain in detail which permits had been violated.
According to him, the installation of the fences was not related to anticipating anarchist actions rumoured to occur in August 2026, but was solely for the general security interests of the malls.
“So, everything is for their own security interests, and it has been deemed not to meet the permits as carried out by several places,” he said.
Therefore, Djamari asked the public not to panic and to entrust all aspects of security to the government.
For information, the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government has emphasised that the capital is safe and has asked mall and office managers to immediately remove the newly installed fences because there is no need for excessive concern.
“Regarding the installation of fences, I have also observed it. Perhaps it is part of concern, but in due course I will certainly ask for the fences to be removed again,” said DKI Governor Pramono Anung at Blok M Hub Jakarta on Friday (31/7).
Pramono highlighted the incident and said it reminded him of the demonstrations and riots in August 2025.
He said his office would coordinate with the TNI, Polri and other law enforcement officials to maintain security and order in Jakarta.
“Hopefully Jakarta will always be safe, comfortable, and bring joy to anyone who is here to enjoy Jakarta, just as we are all enjoying Blok M today,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian Shopping Centre Management Association (APPBI) stated that the installation of fences at shopping centres, including in the Jakarta area, was an effort to create public order.
APPBI Chairman Alphonzus Widjaja said the installation of fences is not new and many shopping centres have been equipped with fences since they were built.
Therefore, he emphasised that the installation of fences was also intended as a boundary between the shopping centre area and the public domain, including as a location for expressing opinions in public.
Based on observations at the location, a newly installed fence stretching 100 metres with a height of 2.5 metres was seen in front of the Kota Kasablanka shopping centre in South Jakarta.
The grey fence was installed near the main car entrance from Jalan Raya Casablanca.
Previously, it went viral on social media that a number of shopping centres in various regions, such as Surabaya and Jakarta, had simultaneously installed fences.