Metro Jaya Police Chief Orders Officers to Handle Protests Humanely

Metro Jaya Police Chief Commissioner General Asep Edi Suheri has instructed all personnel overseeing protest actions in Jakarta on Monday to prioritise a humane approach. He issued a strict prohibition against police officers carrying firearms while conducting security operations. The message was delivered by Metro Jaya Police’s Director of Vital Object Security, Senior Commissioner Joko Sulistio, as he read out the Police Chief’s mandate during a troop deployment ceremony for protest action services in Jakarta. “Those who take to the streets are our brothers and sisters exercising their right to voice aspirations. Our task is to ensure those aspirations are channelled safely, orderly, and under control,” he stated. The Police Chief underscored that the demonstrators are citizens exercising their constitutional rights. Therefore, the police are obliged to guarantee that the expression of opinion proceeds smoothly without disrupting the activities of the wider community. All personnel were also reminded to control their emotions, remain patient and calm, and act proportionally on the ground. Law enforcement, Asep noted, is the very last resort (ultimum remedium) in handling protests. “No firearms. The internal affairs division must ensure and video-record the inspection of all personnel’s equipment before duty,” he stressed. Furthermore, security operations must be structured under a single command system, where no personnel may take unilateral action without instructions from leadership. To anticipate potential disturbances, community police officers, the Raimas Team, and the Raisa Team were asked to sterilise areas behind the troops to sweep for provocateurs and dangerous objects. Specifically, each Sabhara and Brimob unit is required to carry light fire extinguishers to anticipate any tyre-burning actions by the crowd. Meanwhile, intelligence units were instructed to monitor and document the movement of demonstrators from their departure points until their return. Criminal investigation personnel were asked to move swiftly to secure any protest participants found carrying dangerous tools or weapons. In his written mandate, Commissioner General Asep Edi also expressed deep appreciation for the synergy and full support from the Jaya Military Regional Command personnel who helped maintain the capital’s stability. “We are present to protect, not to clash. Carry out your duties with cool heads and steadfast hearts,” he said.