Police Arrest Two Men Carrying Molotov Cocktails at Jakarta Protest

Polda Metro Jaya has arrested two men caught carrying Molotov cocktails and attempting to infiltrate a student demonstration in Central Jakarta on Friday (12/6).

Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Commissioner Budi Hermanto, stated the two were apprehended around the Bendungan Hilir (Benhil) area at approximately 3:30 p.m. Western Indonesian Time.

“The Polda Metro Jaya Law Enforcement Task Force (Gakkum) had identified several groups of people planning to join the student action groups while carrying Molotovs. Two individuals have been secured by the Polda Metro Jaya Directorate of General Criminal Investigation for bringing Molotovs and intending to join the students,” Budi told reporters.

Budi noted that both individuals are currently undergoing intensive examination at the Polda Metro Jaya Directorate of General Criminal Investigation. “We are still investigating their affiliations,” he said.

Budi explained that since morning, his team had been monitoring and profiling parties suspected of attempting to infiltrate the student protest. He stated this measure was taken to ensure the expression of opinion could proceed safely and orderly.

“We respect, we appreciate, and we jointly safeguard that the aspirations of these students must be conveyed properly and must be safe and peaceful,” he said. “Therefore, we convey that Polda Metro Jaya, through the Law Enforcement Task Force, will take firm action against groups attempting to disrupt the students’ expression of aspirations in public. So, these are groups outside of the students,” he added.