Metro Police Secure 101 Suspects Allegedly Planning May Day Riots, Seize Molotov Cocktails

A number of 101 individuals are currently providing information to us, and we state that after the provision of that information is complete, they will immediately return to their respective homes,” said the Director of Criminal Investigation of Metro Jaya Police, Commissioner Iman Imanuddin, during a press conference at Metro Jaya Police Headquarters on Friday (1/5/2026).

Iman stated that the police seized Molotov bombs along with documents outlining plans for unrest. Officers also secured sharp weapons, slingshots, and their ammunition.

In addition, officers seized concrete nails intended to damage buildings and concrete barriers. The secured parties planned to damage concrete buildings during the mass oration.

“The first item is empty bottles as seen, those are empty bottles and trigger cloths to make Molotov cocktails,” he said.

“Likewise, we found or secured sharp weapons from their hands,” he added.

Iman explained that the alleged perpetrators intended to pit the demonstrating labour masses against each other. They also used social media for provocation.

“In their conversations among themselves, several facts emerged, including that they planned to pit elements of labour unions against each other by infiltrating during the ongoing activities,” he stated.

The secured parties are aged 25 to 30 years. Most of them also come from outside Jakarta.

Police also seized a sum of money from the alleged parties intending to cause May Day unrest. Regarding who is funding them is still being investigated further.

“So our law enforcement team at Metro Jaya Police is currently conducting an in-depth investigation into sources of provocative information as well as sources of funding for their activities,” he said.

Iman assured that the 101 secured individuals will be returned after the questioning is complete. His side is also coordinating with several legal aid institutions to ensure the rights of the secured parties are fulfilled.

“We hope that parents and families can immediately coordinate with Metro Jaya Police or the nearest police offices. This is intended to avoid disinformation or misinformation,” Iman concluded.