Fact Check: Were Red Beret Troops Deployed to Secure the August 27 Jakarta Protest?
Fact Check: Were Red Beret Troops Deployed to Secure the August 27 Jakarta Protest?
Reporter
August 31, 2026 | 11:58 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Posts on YouTube (account 1 [archived], account 2) and Facebook on August 27, 2026, claimed that Indonesia’s Kopassus “Red Beret” troops were deployed to secure the August 27 protest in Jakarta.
The video shows Red Beret troops in camouflage uniforms, armed with long-barreled weapons, marching along a road. They are singing in rhythm, drawing the attention of local residents. Is it true that Red Beret troops were deployed to secure the August 27 protest?
FACT CHECK
The Tempo Fact-Check Team verified the content using reverse image searches and credible sources. Although the TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) did participate in securing the August 27, 2026, protest, the video was actually recorded following the beret-awarding ceremony for the 114th Commando candidate cohort.
The YouTube account Afra Prajurit TV uploaded an identical video on July 29, 2026. The Facebook accounts Ojan Prayoga and Azra Prajurit TV, as well as the TikTok account Sri Nurmiyanti, also shared similar footage.
Many account holders posted messages congratulating the soldiers of the 114th Commando class on receiving their berets. The awarding of the red beret is a routine event for Indonesian Army (TNI AD) soldiers who have completed the 114th Kopassus Commando Qualification Course.
TNI Head of Information Center Major General Muhammad Nas confirmed that the information regarding troop deployment was incorrect. “That is a hoax. Beware of provocateurs,” Muhammad Nas told Tempo via WhatsApp on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Protest Security
Citing Kompas.com, a joint force of 18,504 National Police (Polri) and TNI personnel secured 62 protest actions in Central Jakarta on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
“A total of 18,504 personnel were deployed to the field to serve and oversee the demonstrations. We are here to ensure a sense of safety and comfort for all members of the public who are voicing their aspirations,” stated Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Senior Commissioner Reynold E.P. Hutagalung in a written statement on Thursday morning.
He emphasized that none of the police personnel in the field were equipped with firearms or bladed weapons.
CONCLUSION
The claim that a video showing “Red Beret” troops being deployed to secure the August 27 protest is misleading.
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