Protest at Jendral Sudirman Intersection Dispersed Following Clashes
A mass protest at the Jendral Sudirman intersection, Gondokusuman, was forcibly dispersed following several instances of rioting. The demonstrators were involved in clashes with a group of individuals claiming to be local residents, necessitating the deployment of riot police (Dalmas).
The group, identifying themselves as the Civil Society Alliance, held a protest on Tuesday (1/9) evening. While the situation was initially peaceful, it descended into disorder after certain parties attempted to shut down the demonstration.
After an initial period of calm around 7:40 PM WIB, the protesters returned to the intersection and agreed to remain at the junction of Jendral Sudirman. This agreement was reached following negotiations in the middle of the intersection under police supervision, after which the crowd continued with their orations.
By 8:30 PM WIB, a group of people claiming to be Yogyakarta residents approached the crowd with the intention of dispersing the protest. A dialogue ensued between the two groups, but negotiations proved difficult. The residents demanded the protesters leave, citing disruptions to local activities.
“This is a major road, and the economy is suffering; small businesses and even rickshaw drivers cannot pass. They are also people!” one resident told the protesters. A student participant responded, “We are also people, sir!”
Negotiations grew increasingly tense, with frequent verbal insults exchanged. As residents continued to attempt to drive the protesters away, the demonstrators responded with songs. Police officers repeatedly intervened to mediate as the situation heated up.
Following a lengthy discussion, both parties agreed to disperse at approximately 9:50 PM WIB, with the protesters moving north and the residents moving south. The protest coordinator attempted to find a consensus, stating, “Please consider the safety of our friends. If we go home now, would you agree? There will be plenty of time for us to gather again later. Let us all think about it; we will all go home, agreed?”
However, neither side was willing to retreat first. Violence erupted again around 10:00 PM WIB when the group of residents attacked the student protesters, charging into the crowd. The chaos spread as far as the front of the BRI Office. Medical personnel were seen running amidst the commotion, accompanied by the wailing of ambulance sirens and shouting.
Riot police were deployed to push both groups back towards the north and south. The situation gradually stabilised by 10:15 PM WIB. While both groups had dispersed, police remained on standby at the location.