Police Emphasise Humane Approach in Handling Public Protests
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Metro Jaya Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Dekananto Eko Purwono has instructed all personnel to prioritise humane, patient, and measured service when facilitating public expression activities in Jakarta on Friday. Metro Jaya Police deployed 4,839 joint personnel to ensure participants can convey their aspirations safely and orderly, while maintaining the smooth flow of community activities around the locations.
Metro Jaya Police Head of Public Relations, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, said the directive was delivered by the Deputy Chief during a personnel readiness assembly. “The Deputy Chief stressed that all members must respect the public’s right to express their opinions, not be easily provoked, be able to exercise self-control, and act according to procedure,” Budi said.
According to him, the presence of personnel is not only to serve the demonstrators but also to assist other members of the public who are passing through and conducting activities in the vicinity. “Personnel are present to provide a sense of security to those conveying their aspirations and to maintain the smooth running of other community activities,” Budi stated.
He mentioned that the 4,839 joint personnel consisted of 3,728 Metro Jaya Police officers, 340 officers from the Central Jakarta and East Jakarta Resort Police, 642 military personnel, and 129 personnel from the Jakarta Provincial Government. The provincial government elements involved include the Transportation Agency, the Civil Service Police Unit, the Health Agency, and the Fire and Rescue Agency.
“The safety of participants, the public, and officers is the priority. No personnel are carrying or using firearms,” Budi emphasised. He revealed that personnel are stationed at several points, including the National Monument, the HI Roundabout, Dukuh Atas, the Horse Statue, Harmoni, the Farmer’s Monument, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Jalan MH Thamrin, Semanggi, and the Senayan Roundabout.
Traffic diversions will be implemented situationally according to developments on the ground. The public is advised to follow officers’ directions if traffic is redirected. Metro Jaya Police also urged participants to express their aspirations peacefully, comply with regulations, and not be easily provoked. “Members of the public who need police assistance can contact the nearest officer or call the Polri 110 service,” Budi concluded.