Police Headquarters Secured by 3,093 Personnel as BEM UI Holds Afternoon Protest
Jakarta – Thousands of police personnel have been mobilised to oversee a protest by the Executive Board of Universitas Indonesia (BEM UI) scheduled for Friday afternoon, 27 February 2026, at the Police Headquarters in South Jakarta, in response to the death of a student from MTsN 1 Southeast Maluku, Arianto Tawakal (14).
A total of 3,093 personnel from the Jakarta Metro Police (Polda Metro Jaya) have been deployed to ensure the demonstration—protesting the death of Arianto Tawakal and calling for accountability—proceeds peacefully. The incident has resulted in Brimob member Bripda Mesias Siahaya being named as a suspect and facing disciplinary action.
Budi Hermanto, Head of Public Relations for Jakarta Metro Police, stated that security preparations have been thorough, given the strategic location of the protest site. “Security arrangements for the public expression of opinion scheduled for Friday, 27 February 2026, at approximately 13:00 after Friday prayers, involving student elements, will see the deployment of approximately 3,093 personnel,” Budi told journalists following a personnel briefing.
He noted that the Police Headquarters vicinity is adjacent to several vital national facilities, including the PLN office and centres of community activity. Consequently, security measures aim not only to manage the protest but also to ensure normal community operations continue unimpeded. “With the involvement of 3,093 personnel, we want all public expression activities, including routine community activities, to proceed smoothly,” he explained.
Budi emphasised that public protest is a constitutional right protected by law, and police are committed to ensuring students can voice their concerns effectively. “You have the right to express your opinion, and we will guarantee that. We emphasise that the Police Headquarters and Jakarta Metro Police will ensure protection for the views expressed by these students, and this is protected by law. We guarantee this,” he stated.
However, he urged the protesters to maintain peaceful conduct, particularly given that the Muslim community is currently observing Ramadan. “We also wish to call on everyone to ensure that the expression of opinion proceeds peacefully, orderly, and without provocation. Especially since this is the holy month of Ramadan, the value of tolerance during this sacred month is what we must observe. There are codes of conduct and behaviour that should serve as our guide,” Budi said.