Linmas Members in Bekasi Remove Uniforms During Protest Over Recorded Reprimand from Satpol PP Head

BEKASI, KOMPAS.com — Several members of the Community Protection (Linmas) group removed their grey uniforms during a demonstration in front of the Bekasi City Government Building on Monday (4/5/2026). The action was triggered by a viral audio recording containing a reprimand from the Head of the Bekasi City Satpol PP, which sparked anger among Linmas members. In the recording, the Head of Bekasi City Satpol PP is heard questioning the absence of Linmas members guarding several locations, such as Danau Duta, Alun-alun Hasibuan, Plaza Chandrabhaga, Hutan Kota, and Kalimalang, which are deemed to require 24-hour supervision. “However, Linmas members have not yet received an order letter. And Linmas also work only 12 hours,” said Agus when confirmed by Kompas.com via message on Tuesday (5/5/2026). According to Agus, the statements in the recording made Linmas members feel cornered. Until now, he said, there has been no apology from the leadership regarding the polemic. The demonstration was also marked by demands for Bekasi City Satpol PP Head Nesan Sujana to issue a public apology to Linmas members. Danton Linmas of Harapan Baru Sub-district, Edi Wijaya, said the action was carried out to ensure such issues do not recur. “Our purpose in protesting is to get an apology, and to prevent it from happening again. Because Linmas work day and night to guard the sub-district and patrol the area,” said Edi. “So what Mr Kasat said, we ask that it not be repeated,” he added. Edi hopes that leaders can pay more attention to the conditions of Linmas members who are tasked with maintaining security at the sub-district level. Meanwhile, Bekasi City Satpol PP Head Nesan Sujana denied any intention to make things difficult for Linmas members. According to him, the polemic arose due to a misunderstanding in interpreting the leadership’s instructions in the field.