Police General Fadil Imran on Fences: Don't Spin Narratives of Impending Unrest
The National Police’s Main Assistant for Operations (Astamaops), Commissioner General Fadil Imran, has responded to the installation of tall fences by a number of shopping malls and retail centres.
He assured that the situation in Indonesia remained conducive.
“As of today, based on the daily operating reporting system data, there is nothing noteworthy, nothing at all,” Fadil said in Jakarta on Saturday.
According to him, the installation of fences by property owners such as malls is a normal occurrence. He therefore asked the public not to be provoked by narratives suggesting there would be disturbances to public security and order (kamtibmas).
“I think it is quite ordinary for people to fence off their houses. Do not then build a narrative as though erecting a fence means something is going to happen. I don’t think that is the correct interpretation or translation,” he said.
Entering the month of August, Fadil said no special anticipation was being undertaken because in principle the police are always on standby.
“We keep watch every day. Brimob is on standby, Sabhara is on standby. So there is no (special anticipation), it is business as usual, we are always on standby,” he said.
A number of malls in Jakarta were reported to have installed tall fences over recent days. In response, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung asked the management not to feel excessively worried because conditions in the capital are safe.
“Regarding the installation of the fences, I have been observing it too. Perhaps it stems from worry, but in due course I will certainly ask for those fences to be taken down again,” Pramono said on Friday (31/7).
He highlighted the incident, noting it reminded him of the protests and riots of August 2025. The Jakarta Provincial Government is coordinating with the TNI/Polri and other relevant parties to maintain security and order in Jakarta.
“Hopefully Jakarta will always remain safe, comfortable, and bring joy to anyone who comes to enjoy Jakarta, just as we are all enjoying Blok M today,” the Governor said.
Meanwhile, the President’s Special Adviser for Communication and Media, Hasan Nasbi, urged the public to verify the truth of information that could trigger fear, amid circulating reports of potential security disturbances.
“We should not amplify bad news. News that spreads fear should be clarified. Well, journalist friends can check for themselves. They can fact-check whether the ‘fear mongering’ currently circulating is true,” Hasan said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Friday (31/7).
In his view, the public needs to remain optimistic because the country is in good condition and the government continues to run various programmes.
He cited the meeting between President Prabowo Subianto and more than one hundred officials of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN), which took place with two-way communication. At that meeting, various inputs from business actors were well received by the President.
“In the question-and-answer session with the President, their inputs were very constructive and were well received by the President. And there is no reason for us not to move forward,” he said.