Hotel Sultan Execution Turns Chaotic as Crowd Throws Stones and Bottles at Officers

The execution of a court order to vacate the Hotel Sultan land in the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) complex, Central Jakarta, turned chaotic on Thursday (18/6). CNNIndonesia.com observed the crowd throwing stones and bottles at security personnel. The unrest began after officers entered the hotel’s drop-off area. A crowd opposing the execution held their ground and blocked the officers. Officers entered the drop-off area after the bailiff read out the execution order. During the reading, the bailiff first summoned the relevant parties, including PT Indobuildco as the respondent. However, after being called three times, PT Indobuildco did not appear. While the ruling was being read, the crowd opposing the execution formed a barricade in front of Hotel Sultan. An orator also continued to deliver speeches from atop a command vehicle. “Granting the petitioners’ request. Two, ordering the bailiff of the Central Jakarta District Court, or if they are unable, to appoint a competent bailiff accompanied by two witnesses and, if necessary, with the assistance of the Indonesian National Police or other state instruments to carry out the eviction execution,” said Central Jakarta District Court bailiff Azhar. “And returning to the counterclaim plaintiffs the former HGB 26/Gelora and HGB 27/Gelora land plots along with the buildings and everything attached to them. Three, setting the costs arising from this ruling according to law.” After the ruling was read, officers proceeded to the Hotel Sultan drop-off area, where the chaos erupted. The crowd threw stones and bottles at the officers, while the officers defended themselves using shields to avoid the projectiles. Security forces also deployed water cannon to disperse the crowd.