Police release 21 people detained during protest
Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) have released 21 people who were detained by officers for carrying more than a dozen firecrackers, flares and six bottles prepared as materials for Molotov cocktails near the site of a public demonstration.
Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, explained that the release was carried out after the Polda Metro Jaya Law Enforcement Task Force provided pre-emptive education to the dozens of young men.
“These 21 people have been released. There is a pre-emptive education approach carried out by the Polda Metro Jaya Law Enforcement Task Force, because we are not only about repressive law enforcement. Repressive law enforcement is ultimum remedium, or the last resort,” he said.
From the results of intensive examination, the 21 people were confirmed not to be part of the student group or official participants of the demonstration. They came to the location after hearing about the demonstration and intended to join in if chaos occurred.
In addition to the 21 people, the police have also released two other people who were detained for carrying sharp weapons, namely a knife and a machete.
“Both now have the status of witnesses after it was confirmed that the sharp weapons were not intended to cause trouble,” said Budi.
One person was found to be carrying a knife in his bag after attending a community service programme (Kuliah Kerja Nyata/KKN), while the other was an ambulance driver who equipped himself with a machete from his route company.
Polda Metro Jaya emphasised that expressing aspirations in public is protected by law. The presence of TNI and Polri personnel on the ground is purely to secure and serve the community, including helping to evacuate protesters who fell ill or fainted to the nearest hospital.
“In accordance with the leadership’s direction, all protest security must prioritise a humane attitude, not be provoked, and it is strictly forbidden to carry firearms,” he said.