Jakarta DPRD Urges Public to Maintain Order Amid Demonstration Concerns
The Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) has called on all residents to help maintain security and order in the capital amid growing concerns among some parties over the potential for mass demonstrations.
Deputy Speaker of the Jakarta DPRD Basri Baco stated on Monday that expressing opinions in public is a constitutional right of every citizen protected by law. “Please express your opinions, because that is the right of every citizen,” he said.
Baco stressed that this freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly without compromising public safety, endangering lives, or damaging public facilities. He also addressed the phenomenon of several shopping centres installing higher fences due to fears of large-scale protests. According to him, such measures should not be necessary if all elements of society can maintain a conducive situation.
This view aligns with that of Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, who considers the installation of tall fences not an ideal reflection of the city’s condition. Baco noted that the Jakarta Provincial Government has established intensive coordination with the Indonesian National Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, and all law enforcement agencies to ensure the capital’s security is maintained.
He expressed hope that the unrest which occurred in August 2025 would not be repeated. He added that stronger inter-agency synergy, coupled with public support, is crucial capital for maintaining stability in the capital. Beyond the security forces, he said, the public also plays a significant role in creating a safe atmosphere by not being easily provoked into conflict.
Baco reminded residents that social and public facilities built by the government are collective assets funded by taxpayers’ money, and therefore all citizens have a responsibility to protect and care for them. He reiterated that the government does not prohibit citizens from expressing their aspirations through demonstrations, as guaranteed by Law Number 9 of 1998 on the Freedom to Express Opinions in Public.
“But do not let the expression of aspirations be carried out in ways that damage public facilities, injure others, or even cause loss of life. Jakarta must remain a safe home for everyone,” Baco explained. He added that the investment climate, economic activity, and public comfort are highly dependent on a conducive security situation.
In a separate development, the Chairman of the Golkar Party’s Jakarta Regional Leadership Council, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, said the party’s regional conference (Musda) was a momentum to strengthen organisational solidarity and prepare the best cadres to contribute to Jakarta’s development. He stated that Golkar aims to produce cadres capable of building communication with the community and maintaining regional stability through cool-headed and constructive politics.
“This Musda is not just about electing a leadership, but also about strengthening consolidation so that Golkar cadres can get closer to the community and continue to contribute to Jakarta’s progress,” Zaki said. The conference was closed by Basri Baco and resulted in the re-election of Putra Baskara Baramuli as Chairman of the Golkar Party’s Central Jakarta Regional Leadership Council for a second term, covering the 2025-2030 period.