Joint Prayer by Medan Police Chief Defuses Protest Tensions

A number of pork traders and consumers stormed the Medan mayor’s office on Friday afternoon. They were protesting against the Medan mayor’s policy regulating the sale of non-halal meat.

The demonstration, which took place on Friday (27 February 2026) afternoon, became heated at times. The traders strongly objected to the Medan Mayor’s Circular Letter Number 500-7.1/540 dated 13 February 2026, which regulates the sale of non-halal meat, which they regarded as restricting their business operations.

Police Chief of Medan Kombes Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak went directly to meet the protesters. He then facilitated representatives of the protesters to conduct mediation with the Medan city government.

In a room at the mayor’s office, tensions remained high. To defuse the tension, Kombes Jean Calvijn asked all parties present to bow their heads and pray together.

The dialogue proceeded peacefully. The protest representatives, comprised of cross-ethnic organisations including Batak, Nias, and Karo groups, pork traders, the Indonesian Pork Consumer Alliance, the Christian Community Council of North Sumatra, GAMKI Medan City, and Horas Bangso Batak (HBB), voiced their complaints and objections. They argued that the circular letter lacked strong urgency and could potentially create economic problems for thousands of families.

After the meeting concluded, Kombes Jean Calvijn returned to the street and met with the protesters.

“Praise the Lord, until now, all my brothers and sisters have demonstrated tolerance and conveyed their aspirations with extraordinary spirit,” said Jean Calvijn.

Addressing the protesters, Jean Calvijn conveyed that the mediation had proceeded safely and orderly. He expressed appreciation to the protesters for presenting their aspirations in an orderly manner.

“Thank you for presenting extraordinary aspirations. We remain committed to serving the community. Thank you all, God bless you, horas… horas… horas!” he concluded.