Pramono Calls for Restraint After Deadly Clash, Stresses Jakarta's Openness

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung has affirmed that Jakarta is a city open to all levels of society without regard for ethnic background.

According to him, the diversity that has long characterised the capital must be preserved and must not be inflamed by issues relating to ethnicity.

“Jakarta is a very open city. The diversity in Jakarta has always been well maintained. I do not want any ethnicity-related issues in Jakarta,” Pramono said at City Hall, Jakarta, on Tuesday (28/7).

The statement was made in response to a clash that occurred in the Jalan Tambak area of Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Sunday (26/7). Pramono viewed the incident as part of the dynamics that can occur amid Jakarta’s diverse society.

He urged all parties not to be provoked by emotion and to prioritise peaceful resolution in order to safeguard the security and comfort of the capital.

“I ask everyone to exercise restraint, and for us to resolve this with a cool head. Hopefully, Jakarta remains safe and comfortable,” Pramono said.

The clash, which involved a group of people and local residents, resulted in a semi-permanent building and four motorcycles being burnt. Beyond the damage, the incident also left one person dead and another critically injured.

Following the incident, residents of Pegangsaan Urban Village, together with representatives of the victims’ families, agreed to maintain a conducive security and public order situation. They also stated they were leaving the legal process entirely in the hands of Metro Jaya Regional Police.

Meanwhile, Metro Jaya Regional Police have named seven people as suspects in two cases related to the clash on Jalan Tambak.

Four suspects were charged over the vandalism of street vendors’ carts, while three other suspects were named in connection with a fatal mob attack that left one person dead.