Polda Metro Jaya stresses humane protest security without firearms
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Polda Metro Jaya has stressed that security arrangements for demonstrations in the DKI Jakarta area must prioritise a persuasive and humane approach, with a strict prohibition on the use of firearms in any form by all personnel on duty.
Head of Operations Bureau (Karo Ops) of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Laode Aries, affirmed that all security personnel, both from the National Police and the Indonesian Armed Forces who are seconded, must control their emotions and not be easily provoked when serving demonstrators.
“Security for demonstrations must proceed safely and in an orderly manner, and must not cause riots or damage to public facilities. Control yourselves, carry out your duties humanely, patiently and proportionately, and make law enforcement a last resort (ultimum remedium),” said Laode while giving instructions at a security assembly in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Laode instructed Provost personnel to carry out strict checks on the completeness of members’ equipment. He also ensured that no officers, including the Intelligence Task Force and Law Enforcement Task Force, carry firearms in the field.
In addition, he underlined the importance of the principle of a single command in the movement of riot control troops as well as crowd dispersal scenarios.
“All actions in the field must be under a single command; there must be no individual initiative without instruction. The movement of riot control troops and the use of tear gas may only be carried out on the direct order of the Regional Police Chief,” said Laode.
During the briefing, security personnel were seen wearing black ribbons on their arms. Laode explained that the ribbons were a form of empathy and deep mourning for the earthquake disaster that struck communities in East Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra and Sulawesi.
“Polda Metro Jaya is the showcase of Indonesia. When Jakarta is safe and police services are humane, this will become an example for the entire Republic of Indonesia. Let us demonstrate professionalism and the dignity of the institution for the safety of citizens,” said Laode, closing the briefing with a joint prayer for disaster victims.
Previously, the University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) planned to hold a demonstration on Tuesday with a Call to Action to Seize Independence, a day after the celebration of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia.
The demonstration was planned to be held at the Hotel Indonesia roundabout in Central Jakarta, as announced through a post on BEM UI’s official Instagram account @bemui_official.