Jakarta police release 21 detained near protest site

Jakarta Police Spokesman Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto said the 21 were released after the force’s law-enforcement task force provided preventive education.

“The 21 people have been released,” Budi said, adding that authorities view repressive law enforcement as a last resort.

Intensive questioning found the 21 were neither university students nor registered protesters. They had gone to the site after hearing about the demonstration, intending to join if unrest erupted.

“They intended to join if public-order disturbances occurred,” Budi said, adding that carrying such items was inappropriate and unlawful.

Police also released two other people detained for carrying bladed weapons - a knife and a machete.

“Both are now witnesses after we confirmed the weapons were not intended to cause trouble,” Budi said.

One person had carried a knife in his bag after attending a community service program, while the other was an ambulance driver carrying a company-provided machete for his route.

Jakarta police said public demonstrations are protected by law. Military and police personnel were deployed solely to maintain security and assist the public, including evacuating sick or unconscious protesters.

“Following our leadership’s direction, all protest security operations must prioritize a humane approach, avoid provocation and strictly prohibit firearms,” Budi said.

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Translator: Rahmad Nasution