Student Demonstration at National Police Headquarters; Metro Police Chief Restricts Tear Gas Use to His Direct Orders

JAKARTA — The Jakarta Metro Police Chief, Inspector General Asep Edi Suheri, has prohibited personnel from using tear gas whilst securing a student demonstration at the National Police Headquarters on Friday, 27 February 2026. Asep emphasised that tear gas may only be deployed under his direct command.

“Movement of forces, riot control, and the use of tear gas may only occur under my orders. There are no other orders,” Asep stated during a security briefing at the Bhayangkara Field at Police Headquarters on Friday.

“The Operations Director and other generals have no authority to issue orders or command except under my direction. I am monitoring the situation and will issue orders accordingly,” he added.

Additionally, Asep prohibited officers from carrying firearms whilst securing the student demonstration. He urged personnel to maintain a humane approach to securing the protest and to avoid being provoked by demonstrators’ emotions.

“I reiterate once more: there will be no use of firearms in any form. Prioritise service to the demonstration. We are strong, but we remain controlled,” Asep stated firmly.

Thousands of personnel from various directorates and subordinate police stations have been deployed to multiple locations, including checkpoints at specific points to prevent unknown individuals from entering the demonstration area.

The University of Indonesia Student Executive Board (BEM UI) is planning a demonstration titled #AparatKeparat (roughly “Apparatus of Cruelty”) at the National Police Headquarters in South Jakarta on Friday afternoon. One of the key legal demands concerns severe penalties for a police officer implicated in an assault that resulted in a death on 19 February 2026.