Polda Metro Jaya explains legal basis for restricting protests at Bundaran HI

Polda Metro Jaya has stated that the decision to sterilise the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI) area from protest activities was based on technical assessments and in-depth social impact analysis. Kabid Humas Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, explained that the Jenderal Sudirman and M.H. Thamrin road axis serves as the epicentre and main driver of vehicle circulation in the capital. “Concentrating masses at this point carries a high risk of triggering total traffic paralysis, which would have a domino effect on surrounding arterial routes,” he said. Beyond being a main traffic artery, police noted that the Bundaran HI area has evolved into a highly strategic mass transport hub. The location houses an MRT station and an integrated Transjakarta bus stop that serve hundreds of thousands of daily commuters. Disruption at this node would directly sever public transport access for citizens travelling to work or other activities. Despite imposing restrictions at the iconic site, Polda Metro Jaya emphasised that the measure was taken purely to safeguard the rights of other road users, not to silence dissent. “The police are not at all restricting or preventing students from expressing their aspirations. However, referring to the mandate of Law Number 9 of 1998, freedom of expression must go hand in hand with respect for the mobility rights of the general public,” Budi stated. The legal basis for the action includes Jakarta Gubernatorial Regulation No. 232 of 2015, which governs locations for public expression, and Article 6 of Law No. 9 of 1998, which obliges every citizen to respect the rights of others and maintain public order during demonstrations. As a solution, the government and police have directed masses to three official alternative venues designed to accommodate protesters without paralysing the city’s arteries: Silang Selatan Monas, Parkir Timur Senayan, and the Alun-Alun Demokrasi at the DPR/MPR RI complex.