JMP Condemns Hoaxes About Jakarta Riots, Warns of Provocation Dangers

The Jurnalis Mitra Polri (JMP) has condemned the spread of hoaxes and provocative narratives regarding the issue of riots in Jakarta, which are considered to have the potential to trigger public unrest and disrupt the security and order of the capital. The JMP expressed its high appreciation and full support for the swift, measured, and tactical steps taken by the Jakarta Metropolitan Police to quell and dispel the issue of a major riot threat in Jakarta. “We urge Jakarta residents to always synergise with law enforcement officials, in this case the Police who are fully supported by elements of the TNI, to maintain the security and order of the capital,” said JMP Chairman Ikhwan Andi Aziz in Jakarta on Sunday. Referring to a statement by the Jakarta Police Chief, Commissioner General Asep Edi Suheri, JMP believes that maintaining stability in Jakarta requires an active role from the community. This can be realised by citizens building awareness from the smallest environment, being wise on social media, and establishing close cooperation with the authorities. JMP also strongly condemned groups or individuals who spread false information with provocative narratives regarding the issue of riots. Ikhwan stressed that the dissemination of baseless provocative content must be stopped immediately. He said that if left unchecked, the resulting mass panic could have a negative impact on the fabric of social life, including crippling business activities and disrupting national and regional economic stability. “We demand that all forms of digital provocation that divide and create fear in the public sphere be stopped. Do not gamble with the security and welfare of the wider community for the sake of a few parties,” he asserted. Furthermore, JMP reminded that freedom of expression and conveying aspirations in public is a right guaranteed by the constitution. However, this freedom must be exercised wisely and responsibly. Previously, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police had taken action against dozens of social media activists and owners of destructive accounts proven to have violated the Electronic Information and Transactions Law and the Criminal Code. The police also took down dozens of posts containing hoaxes and provocations on various social media platforms to prevent public misperception. The Jakarta Police have also detained nine suspects in connection with cases of spreading provocative, destructive content and false news, including regarding the potential for riots in August 2026. “From the investigation process, nine suspects have been detained in the handling of five police reports. Investigators have also secured and used 10 social media accounts as evidence,” said the Director of General Criminal Investigation of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, in Jakarta on Friday (7/8).