Police Explain Officers' Use of Fez and Headwear During Student Protest Security

Police personnel wore fez hats and white headwear whilst providing security for a student demonstration outside National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta. Female officers wore white headscarves.

Budi Hermanto, Head of Communications for the Metro Jaya Police, explained the rationale behind the use of fez hats and headwear. He stated that this represented respect from the National Police towards the holy month of Ramadan.

“We honour the holy month of Ramadan through the use of fez hats, scarves, and female officers wear white headscarves,” Budi told reporters on Friday (27 February 2026).

Budi noted that the deployed teams included a hadroh team and a prayer chant team to oversee the demonstration. He confirmed that police conducting security operations were honouring Ramadan.

“Patience is the most important. Ultimately, when police are not provoked or instigated, even when insulted and subjected to graffiti, it creates tranquillity during the security process,” he explained.

The student demonstration comprised students from the University of Indonesia (UI), UPN ‘Veteran’ Jakarta and the Jakarta State Polytechnic (PMJ). The protest was staged in response to the death of student AT in Tual, Maluku, who was allegedly beaten by members of a Brimob police mobile brigade unit.

Regarding statements from students that they would stage further demonstrations with larger numbers, Budi said the police had no objections. He stated that the National Police remained ready to maintain open communication.

“We will continue to engage in dialogue and outreach. Police are prepared to provide security services to all citizens expressing their aspirations, as this is protected by law,” he concluded.