Polda Metro Jaya detains 322 people after unrest near DPR/MPR complex

Polda Metro Jaya has detained 322 people suspected of involvement in rioting and damage to public facilities following a public demonstration in front of the DPR/MPR building in Jakarta on Thursday (27/8).

“Based on the data collected, 322 people were detained for questioning. The examination is being conducted to determine each individual’s involvement and role based on the facts and available evidence,” said Polda Metro Jaya Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.

He explained that the unrest occurred after the majority of demonstrators had dispersed. A group of rioters then attempted to disrupt public order and security by committing acts of vandalism, damaging government and police public facilities, and throwing objects at officers on the ground.

“Of the 322 people arrested, 162 are adults aged 18 to 40 who are now being handled by the Polda Metro Jaya General Criminal Investigation Directorate,” Budi said.

Meanwhile, the remaining 160 individuals are classified as children and adolescents aged between 12 and 19. Handling of this underage group has been handed over to the Polda Metro Jaya Directorate for the Protection of Women and Children and Trafficking in Persons.

During operations at the scene, police seized a number of items of evidence carried by the rioters, including machetes, scissors, knife sharpeners, slingshots, 19 arrowheads, an iron chain, four bamboo poles, and 10 sheets of PVC material.

In addition to these items, officers also seized a pickup truck suspected of having been deliberately driven at police personnel during the security operation.

Police confirmed that the firm action taken by officers on the ground succeeded in mitigating the potential spread of public order disturbances and brought the situation around the scene back under control, safe and conducive.