Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs on High Fences at Malls: It's Their Own Security Interest, Already Addressed

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs (Menko Polkam) Djamari Chaniago has spoken out regarding the installation of tall fences at several shopping centres in Jakarta and other regions, which had sparked public speculation. Djamari stressed that the additional fencing is not related to the national security situation.

He stated that the addition of fences was an internal policy of the shopping centre management. The matter has also been followed up by the local government. “The installation of fences, there is no connection to the rumours circulating. The relevant local government heads, both in Surabaya and Jakarta, have responded,” Djamari said during a press conference at the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.

Djamari explained that the additional fences were installed solely for the internal security interests of the respective managements, not as a response to any security threat or potential public disorder. “So, everything is for their own security interests, and it has been deemed that they did not have the permits, as was the case in several locations,” he revealed.

Djamari added that local governments have taken enforcement measures against the fence installations deemed non-compliant with regulations. “I do not want to mention which malls specifically. But the local government has carried out the enforcement,” he asserted.