Metro Jaya Police Say They Have Not Received Student Protest Notification
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Metro Jaya Regional Police have stated they have not yet received a notification letter regarding a planned expression of opinion by student groups, information about which had been circulating on social media.
Head of Public Relations for Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said on Friday that police had checked with several regional units and relevant directorates to verify the existence of the letter, but as of Friday afternoon, none had been found.
"As of 17:34 Western Indonesia Time, we have checked with Depok Sub-regional Police, the Metro Jaya Intelligence Directorate, and Central Jakarta Sub-regional Police. We have not received any notification letter regarding today’s planned expression of aspirations," he said.
Budi explained that the internal checks were carried out after the police cyber patrol team discovered a social media post claiming that a notification letter for the action had been sent to the police.
"We received information from social media patrols that someone claimed to have sent a notification letter to Metro Jaya Police. We need to clarify that so far we have not received such a letter," he said.
Regarding the procedure for expressing opinions, he reminded all members of the public about the regulations stipulated in Article 10 of Law Number 9 of 1998 concerning Freedom of Expression in Public.
This official notification is considered crucial so that law enforcement can coordinate thoroughly with the action’s field coordinator. This includes estimating the number of participants, confirming the location, and preparing service and security plans on the ground.
"Notification is important so that the police can coordinate with the field coordinator, know the number of participants, the location of the activity, and prepare services and security. All of this is done to ensure that the expression of opinion proceeds safely, orderly, and does not disrupt the interests of other members of the public," Budi explained.
Nevertheless, Budi confirmed that Metro Jaya Police continue to respect the rights of every citizen, including students, to voice their aspirations in public spaces.
However, he urged that any mass movement comply with the applicable legal framework to maintain security and public order in the capital city.
"We respect the right of citizens to express opinions in public. However, we also remind everyone that the applicable provisions must be obeyed, so that activities can proceed safely, orderly, and conducively," he said.