Lines of Police Officers Wearing Caps Chant Islamic Prayers During Student Demonstration at Police Headquarters
Jakarta – A striking scene unfolded during a student demonstration outside the National Police Headquarters (Mabes Polri) in South Kebayoran, Jakarta, on Friday 27 February 2026.
Dozens of police officers on duty wore white caps and turbans, chanting Islamic prayers amid the mass speeches. At the location, police lines stood in neat formation facing the protesters, separated by a flower-planted median strip.
Male officers wore peci caps and turbans, whilst several female officers wore turbans as head coverings. When the crowd shouted their demands, the officers did not respond verbally. Instead, they coordinated chanting Islamic prayers in unison.
“Come on together. Blessings and peace upon the Messenger of Allah. Upon Taha, the Messenger of Allah. Blessings and peace upon Yasin, the Beloved of Allah,” the police officers chanted in synchronised voices.
Prior to the deployment, an officer named Asep briefed personnel at roll call: “Do not be easily provoked, maintain your lines and formations. Ensure actions remain orderly and measured. During this sacred month of Ramadhan, let us serve the community whilst chanting prayers.”
Throughout the demonstration, officers maintained their formation and were not drawn in by crowd chants.
The protesters gathered over an alleged death caused by a blow from a Brimob officer’s helmet. One orator from atop a command vehicle stated: “The common people are already oppressed; the police should protect them.”
In their speeches, the mass demanded severe punishment for those responsible and called for the removal of National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo and the Maluku Regional Police Chief as accountability measures.
Additionally, protesters demanded comprehensive police reform, limits on police involvement in civilian matters, and the release of political detainees arrested during demonstrations in late August 2025.
By late afternoon, the situation outside Police Headquarters remained peaceful. Officers maintained disciplined formations without any physical confrontation with demonstrators.