Protesters and Security Forces Sit Together During Orations in Central Jakarta

A student protest in Jakarta saw a moment of calm as demonstrators and security forces sat together while orations were delivered on Jalan MH Thamrin. The scene followed a brief period of tension between the two sides. After several heated moments, both parties agreed to mutual respect and to conduct the demonstration in an orderly manner. Protesters took turns delivering speeches to voice their demands. Security personnel, comprising both TNI and Polri officers, positioned themselves among the crowd and listened to the orations. As evening approached, more protesters continued to arrive from the Semanggi direction, heading towards the Hotel Indonesia (HI) roundabout area carrying various attributes. The sound of car horns echoed along Jalan MH Thamrin, while the Semanggi area became congested with residents heading home. The HI Roundabout area itself was blockaded from the protest action. Polda Metro Jaya explained that the sterilisation of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout from demonstration activities was based on technical assessments and an in-depth analysis of social impact. The Jalan Jenderal Sudirman and Jalan M.H. Thamrin corridor is considered the main circulatory axis for vehicles in the capital, and a concentration of masses at that point carries a high risk of triggering total traffic paralysis with a domino effect on surrounding arterial routes. Police also noted that the HI Roundabout area has developed into a highly strategic mass transportation hub. Any disruption at this point would directly sever public transport access for citizens commuting to work or other activities. Furthermore, the area is a zone of vital national economic objects and international hotels. Police assessed that stability and comfort in the area must be jointly maintained to safeguard the city’s image and economic circulation in the heart of the capital.