Student Protesters Remain on Jalan MH Thamrin into Friday Evening

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Student protesters from several universities in Jakarta remained on Jalan MH Thamrin towards Bundaran HI and had not dispersed, despite exceeding the permitted protest deadline of 6:00 PM WIB.

Thousands of students organising the demonstration had not moved from the location blocked by security forces. As of 7:30 PM WIB, they were still holding their ground.

Security personnel from the TNI and Polri were also seen continuing to monitor the protest, which was originally intended to take place at Bundaran HI.

The demonstration, which began at 2:30 PM WIB, experienced several moments of tension as students attempted to break through the blockades and push towards Bundaran HI.

However, these attempts were thwarted by security officers from the TNI and Polri. Despite the periods of heightened tension, the protest remained generally peaceful.

As of 7:30 PM WIB, authorities were still allowing the students to continue their demonstration.

Previously, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police (Polda Metro Jaya) explained that they had not received any formal notification regarding the planned protest by student elements, following information that had circulated on social media.

The Head of Public Relations for Polda Metro Jaya, Kombes Pol Budi Hermanto, explained in a statement in Jakarta on Friday that the police had conducted checks across several regional units and relevant directorates to verify the existence of such a letter, but found nothing as of Friday afternoon.

“As of 5:34 PM WIB, we have conducted checks at the Depok Metro Police, the Intelligence Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya, and the Central Jakarta Metro Police. We have not received any notification letter regarding the expression of aspirations today,” he said.