Policewomen Distribute Bottled Water to Demonstrators at the Honorary Teachers' Protest Outside the DPR

Central Jakarta Metropolitan Police Chief Senior Commissioner Reynold EP Hutagalung said the demonstration was conducted as a form of service and a humane approach to security. ‘This policing is not only focused on security aspects but also on service. We are here to ensure the event runs orderly while also paying attention to the participants, including by distributing mineral water and snacks,’ he said in a statement on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. He added that this activity is part of the Police’s service to ensure that the public’s right to express their aspirations can take place safely, orderly, and peacefully without disrupting other people’s activities. ‘We prioritise a sympathetic approach to create a calm atmosphere between the authorities and the public. The right to express opinions in public is a citizen’s right and must be safeguarded together to remain orderly,’ he said. During the operation, police personnel were seen distributing bottles of mineral water and bread to protesters as security was maintained. Police also directed traffic around the DPR/MPR RI complex to prevent vehicle congestion. By midday, the protest had proceeded safely and remained orderly without major incidents. The protest, organised by the All Indonesia Honorary Teachers Association, had been underway since this afternoon. A total of 4,873 personnel from Polda Metro Jaya, Metro Jakarta Pusat Police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and local government were deployed to secure the event.