Police Prioritise a Humane, Collaborative Approach in Managing Public Demonstrations
The National Police (Polri) is prioritising a humane, preventive and collaborative approach to maintaining public order and security during demonstrations as part of the 28 October 2026 protests. It stressed that it continues to respect the public’s right to express its aspirations in accordance with the law.
The police response to demonstrations is guided by Law No. 9 of 1998 on Freedom of Expression in Public. The regulation guarantees citizens’ right to express their views freely and receive legal protection.
At the same time, members of the public are obliged to respect the rights of others, obey regulations, and help maintain public safety and order.
Polri’s Head of Public Information, Inspector General Johnny Edison Isir, said the force was committed to serving the public through communication, a humane approach and collaboration with various groups in society.
“Polri respects every citizen’s right to express their views in public. As stipulated in Law No. 9 of 1998, freedom of expression is a right that must be respected and protected. For that reason, Polri is prioritising humane, professional and proportionate service so that people can express their aspirations safely, orderly and peacefully,” Isir said on Wednesday (28 October 2026).
He said efforts to maintain public order and security would proceed through pre-emptive and preventive measures, followed by law enforcement as required by circumstances on the ground. At the pre-emptive stage, Polri conducts early detection and warnings, and communicates with various groups in society to anticipate potential security disturbances in both physical and digital spaces.
Public education and communication are also being strengthened to encourage people to express their aspirations responsibly and counter false information that could cause public concern.
At the preventive stage, police officers on the ground are deployed to serve and protect both demonstrators and the public. Traffic management, patrols, security posts and communication with demonstration coordinators are among the measures intended to keep the situation stable without disregarding the public’s right to carry on with daily activities.
“Police services are not focused solely on ensuring that demonstrations proceed smoothly; they must also ensure that the rights of other members of the public are upheld. We urge all parties to communicate well, respect one another and work together to keep the situation safe and stable,” he said.
Isir emphasised that Law No. 9 of 1998 also sets out the obligation of government officials to protect human rights, respect the principle of legality and the presumption of innocence, and provide security. Police duties must therefore always be carried out in accordance with the law and the principles of respect for human rights.
If legal violations or an actual threat to security and safety are identified, Polri will respond in accordance with applicable regulations. Every police action will be based on legal considerations and the needs on the ground, and must be proportionate and accountable.
“If a violation of the law occurs, it will be handled in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Every action must be measured, proportionate and accountable, while prioritising public safety and respecting human rights,” he said.
Isir also called on community groups—including religious and community leaders, academics, civil society organisations and other groups—to play an active role in fostering a peaceful and calm atmosphere. Public participation, he said, is important in strengthening prevention efforts and stopping differences of opinion from escalating into conflict.
“Maintaining public order and security is a shared responsibility. We appreciate the public’s role in fostering calm communication, sharing accurate information, and keeping their respective communities safe and orderly,” he said.
“Let us make differences of opinion part of democratic life, expressed peacefully and responsibly while upholding national unity,” he added.