Protesters at DPR Demand Police Open Blockade

A number of protesters staging a demonstration in front of the DPR RI building briefly entered the inner-city toll road on Thursday (27/8).

The moment began when the crowd urged police to open logistics access from Jalan Gerbang Pemuda towards the front of the DPR. The protesters then flocked towards Jalan Gerbang Pemuda.

At that moment, dozens of protesters briefly entered the inner-city toll road. Traffic on the toll road was temporarily disrupted as a result of the crowd entering it.

Afterwards, the protesters exited the inner-city toll road and headed beneath the Senayan flyover. There, the crowd asked police to open the blockade so that logistics could pass through.

As of the writing of this report, the protesters were still negotiating with police.

There were two demands in the 27 August action voiced by the orators from the command vehicle.

First, they urged the DPR and the government to immediately pass the Asset Forfeiture Bill (RUU Perampasan Aset) and to impose the death penalty on corruptors.

A total of 18,504 police personnel were deployed to secure the demonstrations held at several locations in Central Jakarta.

Central Jakarta Metro Police Chief Commissioner Reynold E.P. Hutagalung said that security operations prioritised a humanist approach.

“We are here to provide a sense of safety and comfort to all members of the public who are expressing their aspirations. The officers on duty are not carrying firearms or sharp weapons. We prioritise a humanist approach, communication, and persuasion in serving the public,” Reynold said in his statement.