Police Deemed Successful in Securing 27 August 2026 Protest, Observer Reveals Contributing Factors

Legal observer Mohammad Saleh Gawi has assessed that the Indonesian National Police (Polri) successfully secured the demonstration held in Jakarta on 27 August 2026.

According to Saleh, this success was evident from the continued expression of public aspirations amid a large-scale protest, while the potential for rioting was controlled so that it did not escalate into broader security disturbances.

Saleh made the remarks during a public dialogue titled “Safeguarding Democracy, Preventing Riots: Public Response to Polri’s Success in Securing the 27 August 2026 Protest”, organised by the Indonesia Youth Congress in Jakarta on Monday, 31 August 2026.

Saleh said that securing demonstrations in a democratic country presents its own challenges. The police must protect the public’s freedom to express opinions while simultaneously ensuring that security and public order are maintained.

“Polri is not a tool of power, but a neutral public servant,” Saleh said.

According to him, the freedom of association, assembly, and expression is a constitutional right of citizens as stipulated in Article 28E Paragraph (3) of the 1945 Constitution.

On the other hand, the police have a responsibility to maintain public security and order so that demonstrations do not turn into anarchic actions.

“Police actions must be measured and proportional so that the rule of law is upheld,” he said.

Saleh noted that there are several indicators that can be used to assess the success of securing a large-scale demonstration.

First, the protest was still able to take place so that public aspirations were conveyed. Second, no mass rioting occurred. Third, public facilities did not suffer widespread damage.

“Security and freedom must go hand in hand. The rights of protesters must be protected, but the rights of the general public must also be considered,” Saleh said.

He assessed that Polri already has the experience and supporting apparatus to handle large-scale demonstrations.

In carrying out its duties, the police must also observe the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and accountability in the use of force.

“The use of force must have a legal basis, be employed only when necessary, be proportionate to the threat, and have a mechanism for oversight and evaluation,” he said.

Saleh noted that the number of protesters was said to have far exceeded the number previously planned or reported. This condition, according to him, posed a particular challenge for officers in controlling the crowd.

He said the success of a peaceful protest depends not only on the police, but also on the protesters as well as the public and the media.