Jakarta Deputy Speaker Urges Calm as Malls Erect High Security Fences
Jakarta Deputy Speaker Basri Baco has called on all elements of society to jointly maintain the security and order of the capital amid growing concerns over the potential for demonstrations to turn violent. The response follows the phenomenon of several shopping centres in Jakarta installing higher security fences due to fears of large-scale mass action.
Baco believes the extra protective measures taken by mall management should not become a habit if the public and protest participants can express their opinions peacefully. He agreed with the view of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, who stated that the installation of high fences at commercial facilities does not reflect an ideal city situation.
“Please express your opinions, as it is the right of every citizen. But do not let the expression of aspirations be carried out in ways that damage public facilities, injure others, or even take lives. Jakarta must remain a safe home for everyone,” Baco said.
Baco reminded that the freedom to express opinions in public is guaranteed by Law Number 9 of 1998. However, its implementation must be carried out responsibly without sacrificing public safety and damaging public facilities. He emphasised that social and public facilities are built using public tax money and must be protected together.
Furthermore, Baco stressed that the city’s security stability is directly proportional to the sustainability of the investment climate, economic activity, and the comfort of capital residents. The Jakarta Provincial Government, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the National Police, and law enforcement officials, is confirmed to continue coordinating to ensure that incidents of rioting, such as those in August 2025, are not repeated.
The statement was made by Baco on the sidelines of the closing of the 11th Regional Conference of the Golkar Party’s Central Jakarta branch. In that forum, Baco acted as council leader as well as Secretary of the Golkar Party’s Jakarta Regional Board. The conference officially re-appointed Putra Baskara Baramuli as Chairman of the Golkar Party’s Central Jakarta branch for a second term, serving from 2025 to 2030. The Chairman of the Golkar Party’s Jakarta Regional Board, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, stated that this organisational consolidation aims to produce cadres capable of delivering a calm and conducive political climate for Jakarta’s development.