Student Death in Maluku Triggers Siege of Yogyakarta Police Headquarters

Hundreds of people surrounded the Yogyakarta Regional Police Headquarters (Polda DIY) on Tuesday evening, 24 February 2026. The demonstration was a result of the tragedy in which a student in Maluku died after being mistreated by members of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) on 19 February 2026.

According to Tempo, the protesters blocked the ring road, particularly the westbound lane, from 6 pm onwards. They also vandalised the front of the Polda DIY office, writing “All Cops Are Bastards – Murderers!” and damaging facilities.

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The demonstration, which continued until 7.30 pm, caused several shops in the area to close. The Pakuwon Mall, located across from Polda DIY, also closed access from the north entrance, although it remained open.

The protesters arrived at the Polda DIY office on foot from the east. Upon arrival, they quickly moved to push water barriers on the west side of the entrance, blocking access to the road.

The situation became tense when the protesters’ focus shifted to the east side of the Polda DIY fence.

The protesters began to hit the iron fence simultaneously and tried to break it down until it collapsed.

The protesters cheered when they managed to break through the fence, accompanied by vandalism using spray paint and throwing various objects towards the Polda DIY courtyard.

This demonstration is a strong protest against the case of mistreatment that resulted in the death of AT, a 14-year-old student at a Madrasah Tsanawiyah in Tual City, Maluku.

The perpetrator of the mistreatment was identified as Bripda Mesias Siahaya, a member of the Brimob Polda Maluku, who has now been officially dismissed by the Polri (Indonesian National Police). The protesters’ anger was evident in the demands they shouted in front of the police headquarters.

“Murderers, murderers, murderers!” the protesters shouted repeatedly amidst the noisy atmosphere of the demonstration.

The police had actually taken anticipatory measures by installing barbed wire fences in the inner area of the Polda DIY courtyard since the afternoon.

However, until 7.30 pm, the wave of protesters continued to arrive and remain at the location to voice their aspirations regarding justice for the victims in Maluku.

Editor’s Choice: Brimob Member from Maluku Allegedly Mistreated Student to Death.