Observer Assesses Police as More Humane in Handling Mass Demonstrations

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political observer Boni Hargens has assessed that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) demonstrated an increasingly humane approach in handling a wave of large-scale demonstrations in June 2026. According to Hargens, the police’s humane approach is essential in tense situations to maintain social and political stability. This is a key prerequisite for the government to implement policies relevant to the public’s condition. “The increasingly humane and democratic approach from the police institution is the main factor that allowed the massive demonstrations to proceed in a controlled manner without significant escalation of violence,” Hargens said in a written statement received in Jakarta on Tuesday. Hargens stated that the measured approach by Polri reflects a balance between enforcing public order and respecting civil rights. He therefore expressed confidence in the police’s ability to maintain public security and order amid the rising protests in mid-June 2026. He added that the wave of protests reflects civil society’s resistance to several policies of the Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka administration, which are considered controversial and have impacted the weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar. While affirming that demonstrations are a democratic right of citizens that must be respected, Hargens stressed the need for a balanced perspective in assessing the situation facing the government. He added that the current global situation is forcing many countries to adapt in order to maintain domestic economic stability. Indonesia is no different from other nations struggling to face global uncertainty. Given the external pressures from geopolitical dynamics, he argued that the government needs to be given space to work, despite the barrage of public criticism.