Hercules Alleged to be Present at August 27 Riots; Puan Maharani Responds

The Chairman of the United Indonesian People’s Movement (GRIB) Jaya, Rosario de Marshall, also known as Hercules, was reportedly present at the site of the demonstrations on the night of 27 August 2026.

Following the protests, the area surrounding the DPR Building experienced riots, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Responding to these events, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Puan Maharani, stated that her office had previously urged the public to remain orderly during demonstrations.

“From the beginning, we have requested that aspirations be expressed in an orderly manner and that there be no disturbances or destruction,” Puan said at the DPR Building, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

Consequently, she has called upon the police to investigate the post-demonstration riots thoroughly, requesting that law enforcement utilise concrete evidence during the investigation process.

“We are asking the relevant authorities to investigate and resolve this matter as best as possible, and to settle this issue with strong evidence. If involvement is proven, it must be dealt with decisively,” she stated.

Previously, GRIB Jaya denied that its members were involved in the riots following the 27 August protests. The Legal Division of the GRIB Jaya Central Executive Board, Wilson Colling, explained that Hercules’ presence at the location was not intended to interfere with the protest.

“His presence was part of a persuasive effort to monitor the situation and maintain environmental stability,” Wilson said in a statement on Saturday, 29 August 2026.

“It was not intended to exacerbate the situation, incite provocation, or engage in physical clashes,” he added.

Wilson noted that GRIB Jaya had never received instructions to involve itself in the 27 August demonstrations.

“Organisationally, there was never any instruction to participate in the demonstration or to carry out any activities related to the action,” he asserted.

Therefore, he stated that Hercules’ presence at the protest site should not be interpreted as Hercules or GRIB Jaya being involved in the late-night riots.

“Especially in the absence of any evidence regarding orders, coordination, or involvement in any criminal act,” Wilson concluded.